A city worker was emptying trash cans at a California park when they found a live 4-foot python curled up in one, and no one knows who put it there

A city employee working at Brand Park in Glendale, California, found a four-foot-long ball python hiding inside a trash can. This discovery happened during the worker’s usual rounds, and the situation serves as a reminder that people sometimes abandon animals they are not ready to care for.

As reported by BroBible, it is clear that this snake did not end up in the trash by accident. Ball pythons are native to West and Central Africa and are not naturally found in the wild in California. Since they are popular in the pet trade, it is highly likely that a former owner left the animal behind when they no longer wanted the responsibility. 

Caring for these reptiles is not easy, as they need a specific diet and a stable environment to stay healthy. Because many people find them intimidating or difficult to manage, some owners decide to dump them instead of finding them a proper home.

The snake has been moved to a temperature-controlled enclosure 

The maintenance worker made the discovery in the morning, when they looked into the trash can and saw the snake curled up inside. Ball pythons get their name from their habit of curling into a tight ball when they feel scared, which is a common defense mechanism for the species. 

After the worker found the snake, an animal control officer went to the park to help. The officer captured the four-foot-long reptile and moved it to the Pasadena Humane Society for a medical checkup.

The team at Pasadena Humane shared the update on Instagram, noting that the snake is now safe. They stated, “Imagine you’re a maintenance worker at a local park, doing your rounds and checking the trash cans. You take a peek in one of the cans and spot something you weren’t expecting: a four-foot-long ball python curled up inside.”

The organization also shared its perspective on the rescue, saying, “We don’t see snakes like this every day, but when we do, we waste no time jumping into action to provide the specialized care these unique animals need.” They also mentioned, “We’re proud to have a team that shows compassion and care to all animals.”

The snake is currently living in a temperature-controlled enclosure and is even enjoying the occasional soak in his pool. Officials have not figured out how the python arrived at the park or who might have owned it previously.