A ball python measuring 1.07 meters is currently being cared for by the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society following its discovery at an east Windsor sewage plant. The snake was found by Jeff Miller, the chief operator at the Little River Pollution Control Plant, last Friday. Initially spotted on the plant’s inlet screens nearly 7.6 meters below ground, the snake then made its way into a collection bin, attempting to climb to safety.
According to Ed Valdez, the executive director of pollution control at the City of Windsor, Miller stumbled upon the snake while performing his duties in one of the “rag bins” where the initial cleaning process occurs. Valdez mentioned that regular inspections in the area suggest that the snake had not been there for an extended period. He speculated that the python likely escaped from someone’s house, possibly through a window or a doggy door, and ended up in a curb catch basin.
The female python, estimated to be between three to five years old, is currently under the care of Lynnette Bain, the executive director of the local humane society. Bain noted that the snake showed signs of distress and minor injuries from navigating tight spaces but is expected to fully recover with proper treatment. The staff is providing medical care to address dehydration and promoting shedding by soaking the snake daily for 20 minutes.
Although it remains uncertain how the snake ended up in the sewer system, Bain suggested that it could have been flushed down a toilet or escaped through small openings. She emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership and urged exotic pet owners not to release their animals into unsuitable habitats. As for the python’s future, Bain mentioned that due to regulations, the snake cannot be adopted within the City of Windsor but may be rehomed with experienced individuals in the surrounding area familiar with ball pythons.
The humane society expressed a commitment to ensuring the snake’s well-being and emphasized the need for proper care for exotic pets.