This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

BRAITHWAITE, La. (WGNO) – A Plaquemines Parish Government worker accidentally mowed over and killed a 9-foot snake believed to be a Boa constrictor while cutting grass today at Davant Park.

Photo courtesy Plaquemines Parish Government
Photo courtesy Plaquemines Parish Government

According to a release from Plaquemines Parish Government, scientists with the Audubon Nature Institute identified the species of the snake.

Boa constrictors are non-venomous snakes native to Central and South America. They can grow up to 12 feet in length and usually eat small mammals, including mice and rats.

Authorities are not certain how the snake ended up in the area, but believe it may have been someone’s escaped pet or was released to the wild illegally.

Resident are urged to never approach animals in the wild, especially alone, and to call 9-1-1 if spotted.