Nova Scotia

Loose snake surprises police during firearms search

While executing a search warrant at a Truro home on Thursday, officers were surprised to find a small python out of its enclosure.

Truro, N.S. police executing search warrant when they found a small python in home

While executing a search warrant at a Truro home on Thursday, officers were surprised to find a small python out of its enclosure.  

Given the recent stories involving the death of two boys who police say were killed by a large African rock python, Det. Const. Matt Poupart said police didn’t want to take any chances.

"This snake is not prohibited, he is definitely a pet but given the circumstances of what took place [in New Brunswick] we felt it safe for it actually to be given to a facility that can actually take care of it," he said.

Police at the scene called the local animal enforcement bylaw officer. They provided a description of the snake, after which the bylaw officer assured police it was not dangerous.

A small pet python, not unlike this ball python, surprised police while they executed a search warrant. (Jim Lord/Associated Press)

The snake was then taken away after the Maritime Reptile Zoo agreed to take in the creature.

Truro police had gone to a home to execute a warrant looking for firearms.

During the search police seized prescription pills, a firearm and ammunition.

A man and a woman are facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking prescription pills, several firearms charges and animal cruelty charges.