A boa constrictor named "Snakie" is on the loose in Swarthmore.
But don't worry.
That's 7 slithering feet of friendliness, according to the snake's owner, a local veterinarian.
David Spiegel reported Snakie missing to police on Monday.
"Snakes are amazing escape and amazing hiding animals," said Kevin Murphy, general curator at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Police Chief Brian Craig described this as a fairly unusual call for their department and is urging people to be on alert.
"I think they should be aware it's out there and if they see it to call 911 immediately, and we'll do whatever is necessary," he said.
Spiegel's veterinary practice is located at 400 Yale Avenue in Swarthmore. Chief Craig says Spiegel is posting flyers to alert neighbors about the missing snake.
"A 7-foot boa constrictor could give you a pretty significant bite, but nothing lethal," said Murphy, who says these snakes are not aggressive, but they do have the potential to be defensive.
"If it's hiding in a hole, behind something or underneath something, and someone goes to disturb it or try and grab it, it certainly could bite," said Murphy.
Boa constrictors are carnivores, but they typically go after small prey. In Snakie's case, the boa constrictor is roaming around on a fairly full belly.
"It had last eaten a week and a half ago and usually eats every 3 to 4 weeks," said Chief Craig, based on what Spiegel told officers.
As for where it maybe hiding?
"It will find someplace it feels secure, so usually with structure around it," said Murphy.
Contact Lauren DiSanto at 610.668.5705, lauren.disanto@nbcuni.com
Photo Credit: Dr. David Spiegel