A 1.07-meter ball python was discovered at a sewage plant in east Windsor by a worker, and is now under the care of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society. The snake was found by Jeff Miller, the chief operator at the plant, on Friday. It was initially seen on the plant’s inlet screens, approximately 7.6 meters below ground, before making its way into a collection bin and attempting to climb to safety.
Ed Valdez, the executive director of pollution control at the City of Windsor, mentioned that Miller stumbled upon the snake while carrying out his responsibilities in one of the “rag bins” where the initial cleaning takes place. Valdez expressed relief that the snake managed to climb up on its own and did not get caught in the machinery.
Valdez speculated that the snake had not been in the area for long since it is regularly inspected. He suggested that the python likely escaped from someone’s house through a window or a doggy door and ended up in a curb catch basin.
Lynnette Bain, the executive director of the local humane society, estimated the female python to be around three to five years old. Despite being a bit worn out from navigating small spaces, the snake is expected to fully recover under the society’s care. The snake is currently receiving medical treatment for dehydration and nicks on her body.
The staff at the plant have encountered various animals in the screening system over the years, but snakes typically do not survive the ordeal. Bain mentioned that they are helping the snake shed by soaking her daily for 20 minutes to improve her body condition.
The circumstances that led to the snake ending up in the sewer remain uncertain. Bain suggested that it could have been flushed down a toilet or escaped through small openings. While the exact cause is unknown, releasing exotic pets into the wild is discouraged as they lack the necessary survival skills.
The ultimate fate of the snake is undecided at this point. Due to regulations, the snake cannot be adopted within the City of Windsor. However, there are individuals in the surrounding areas experienced with snakes, particularly ball pythons, who may be interested in providing a new home for the reptile.