Snake Discovered at Ontario Wastewater Facility

A worker at a sewage plant in Windsor, Ont., had quite the surprise recently when he came across a ball python in a collection bin.

The snake was initially seen on the Little River Pollution Control Plant’s inlet screens nearly 25 feet, or 7.6 metres, underground before it made its way into a collection bin and tried to slither to safety, according to a Facebook post by the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society.

The plant’s chief operator, Jeff Miller, “was able to safely retrieve the snake and called our Animal Protection Officer Natalie to ensure it got the help it needed,” the Humane Society mentioned.

Although this reptile was saved, the humane society noted that snakes don’t always make it through such experiences. They highlighted that staff at the plant have previously rescued many animals from their screening system.

“So the snake probably escaped its enclosure and got out and they move so quickly because they’re all muscle and they moved very fast and could have gotten, they kind of wash down into a storm sewer drain and that is probably the most likely theory,” said Lynnette Bain, executive director of the humane society.

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“But still, it’s amazing that the snake survived because it (the path to the plant) is quite aggressive. The drop, probably like a 30-foot journey down and there’s a lot of different rakes and prongs that stick out … It’s quite amazing that the snake was just a fighter.”

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The organization also took this opportunity on social media to remind everyone that exotic pets should “never be released into the environment.”

“If you can no longer care for an animal, please reach out for help finding safe alternatives,” they advised.

The humane society didn’t specify if there’s any information on where exactly the snake originated or how it ended up in the treatment facility.

Ed Valdez, executive director of pollution control at City of Windsor, expressed his belief that someone might have lost track of their pet snake.

“Either through the garage or occasionally the backyard or through the doggy-door for that matter, or perhaps somebody had it in their car and keeps the door open,” Valdez explained.

While it’s unclear how long this python spent in the collection bin, Valdez noted chief operators like Miller inspect plants about once an hour. They may not check every corner during each inspection but will definitely do so eventually.

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“I don’t suspect it was there for very long, less than 24 hours,” he said. “In the sewer system is another question, but likely (for it) to be alive, not for too long.”

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According to Toronto Zoo’s information about ball pythons, these constricting snakes are native to regions in western and central Africa. They’re also referred to as royal pythons.

The snakes can live up to 30 years old and typically grow between one and 1.5 metres as adults; some even reach lengths up to 1.83 metres. Bain informed that this particular snake is estimated to be around three to four years old and measures roughly three-and-a-half feet long.

Additionally, she mentioned that although there was some scale damage observed along with dehydration issues initially present in this python, it’s responding well now by starting to shed- which she described as “amazing.”

This species is quite popular within pet circles since they’re often considered “beginner pets” due to their gentle nature and manageable size.

The humane society expressed relief that this one was found just in time – it’s currently receiving care from their medical team who are hopeful about its full recovery.

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