COURTESY HAWAII DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
A snake found at Hilo Harbor last Friday has been identified as a checkered keelback snake, also known as an Asiatic water snake (Xenochrophis piscator). CLICK FOR LARGE
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Water snake found in Hilo
A construction worker kills the alien reptile
A 2-foot Asiatic water snake was found swimming in Hilo Harbor Friday, and was killed by a construction worker who spotted it beneath Pier 2.
A Bishop Museum herpetologist identified it as a member of a nonpoisonous species also known as a checkered keelback snake.
The snake is found in Asia and the East Indies, according to a state Department of Agriculture press release. It is not common in the pet trade in the United States, officials said. It is not known how the snake arrived in Hawaii.
Snakes are illegal in Hawaii, where they have no natural predators and pose a threat to the island environment, particularly because they prey on birds. Large snakes also can be a danger to humans and small pets.
State officials warned that anyone seeing a snake should not try to handle it, and should report it to the police or the Department of Agriculture.
People who own snakes or other illegal animals may turn them in under the state's amnesty program, which provides immunity from prosecution. The creatures may be taken to the Department of Agriculture, municipal zoo or Humane Society on any island, where no questions will be asked and no fine assessed, according to the state announcement. Anyone with information on an illegal animal may call the toll-free pest hotline, 643-7378.
COURTESY HAWAII DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE
A construction worker at Hilo Harbor saw the 2-foot snake under the pier and was able to kill it. The state Department of Agriculture was called to pick up the snake. CLICK FOR LARGE
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