In the town of Dessau-Roßlau, Saxony-Anhalt, residents are on high alert as emergency services search for a large boa constrictor that has been sighted in a residential area. The snake, which is reportedly roaming freely, has caused fear among the locals as it is unlike anything they have seen before.
The only clue authorities have is a two-meter-long snake skin that was found in a stairwell of a new building. This has led to speculation that someone may have played a bad joke as obtaining an authentic snake skin is not easy. However, this theory has not been confirmed yet.
Boa constrictors are native to South America and can grow up to three meters long. They kill their prey by entangling and strangling them with their powerful muscles. Keeping such an exotic animal requires approval from an official veterinarian in Saxony-Anhalt. Residents of Viethstrasse, where the snake skin was found, have been questioned but no illegal keeping of snakes has been reported yet.
The emergency services have been on alert since Sunday and have searched the building and cellars using thermal imaging cameras but so far have not found anything. The search continues and residents are advised to remain cautious until the boa constrictor is found. If anyone encounters the snake they should immediately contact authorities for their safety.