Discovered Endangered Python at a Hotel in Yangyang, Gangwon Province

An endangered species, the ball python, was discovered in a hotel room in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, prompting authorities to take protective measures.

According to a report by KBS on the 24th, on the 16th, a guest at a hotel on the 16th floor found a snake lying between the window frame upon entering the room and immediately reported it.

Firefighters who arrived at the scene safely captured the snake using tongs.

The discovered ball python is characterized by its yellowish body with distinct black stripes, measuring approximately 50 cm in length.

Kim Jin-yeol, a firefighter at the Hajodae 119 Safety Center in Yangyang, stated, "We received a report that there was a snake on the 16th floor," adding, "The snake we found felt like it had been raised as a pet."

Suspected to have been abandoned after being kept as a pet

The ball python is a globally recognized endangered species originating from Africa, known to grow up to 1.5 meters. The individual found is presumed to be about three months old.

This species is relatively docile and easy to manage, making it popular as a pet. However, there has been a recent increase in cases of abandonment due to inability to care for them, raising concerns about disruption to the ecosystem.

This case is also suspected to involve a hotel guest who secretly left behind a pet snake in the room.

Kim Hong-cheol, a senior researcher at the Northern Conservation Center of the National Park Wildlife Management Institute, emphasized, "It is necessary to manage these animals well to prevent them from being released into the wild, as they could disrupt the native ecosystem of the Republic of Korea."

If no owner appears by the end of this month, the National Park Wildlife Management Institute plans to transfer the ball python to the local environmental office.

Naver TV 'KBS News'

Image Source: kbs, ball python (reference photo for article understanding) / gettyimagesbank