KAIMUKI, Hawaiʻi (KHON2) — A Kaimuki man saw what he thought was a “child’s toy” in his backyard on Sunday afternoon. When he noticed that it was moving, he called 911.
Police officers arrived at the home and called wildlife officials, who captured a three-and-a-half-foot-long ball python late Sunday night. The snake was determined to be non-venomous and was “very docile” while being handled and captured, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA).
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A ball python was captured from a backyard in Kaimuki, Hawaii, on June 1, 2025. Authorities believe the snake to be an escaped pet, but snakes are illegal in Hawaii. (Courtesy: Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture) -
A ball python was captured from a backyard in Kaimuki, Hawaii, on June 1, 2025. Authorities believe the snake to be an escaped pet, but snakes are illegal in Hawaii. (Courtesy: Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture)
Ball pythons can grow up to six feet long and are common pets within the United States, HDOA said. Officials said the snake was “likely” an escaped pet, due to its calm demeanor — and the HDOA used the discovery to remind people that it is illegal to import and possess snakes in Hawaiʻi.
“Snakes have no natural predators in Hawaiʻi and pose a serious threat to Hawai‘i’s environment because they compete with native animal populations for food and habitat,” the HDOA said Tuesday. “Many species, such as the ball python, prey on birds and bird eggs, increasing the threat to our endangered native bird species.”
After it was captured, HDOA officials said the snake was being “safeguarded” at the Plant Quarantine Branch.
What happens to illegal animals in Hawaiʻi?
Being in possession of an illegal animal in Hawaiʻi may lead to a person being charged with a class C felony and being issued a fine of up to $200,000. If in possession of an illegal animal, you may face up to five years in prison, the HDOA said.
The HDOA encouraged individuals who have illegal animals to turn them in under the amnesty program, which allows people to voluntarily surrender illegal animals without facing criminal or civil penalties (if surrendered before an investigation).
“Any illegal animal may be dropped off at any HDOA Office, local Humane Society or at municipal zoos,” the HDOA said. “Animals turned in under amnesty will not be euthanized.”
Anyone with information on illegal animals is asked to call 808-643-PEST (7378), the state’s toll-free pest hotline.