Montreal

Python on the loose in Verdun, police seek public's help

The pet reptile, which escaped from a private residence, was last seen Monday evening around the Bleu Blanc Rouge arena between 1st Avenue and Willibrord Avenue.

4-foot snake has been missing since last week

Pet pythons are not venomous and feed mostly on small rodents. (J. Pat Carter/Associated Press)

Montreal police and the borough of Verdun are asking for the public's help in finding a 4-foot python that has been missing since last week.

The pet reptile, which escaped from a private residence, was last seen Monday evening around the Bleu Blanc Rouge arena between 1st Avenue and Willibrord Avenue. A resident reported seeing the snake but it slithered away.

Police believe the snake has taken refuge behind a brick wall in the area.

An animal retrieval company is trying to pinpoint the snake's location.

Police say the python is not venomous: the snake eats small rodents and is not dangerous to humans. Anyone who sees it is urged not to touch it but to call 911 or the neighbourhood police station at 514-280-0116.