Crews were able to capture the invasive reptile.

The beach is not the snake’s natural habitat so officials believe someone must be behind the rare sighting.

“It is not a native species to Florida. These are animals that have escaped from people or people that have intentionally released them into the wild,” said David Hitzig of the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.

The snake was scanned for a chip, which is a legal requirement, but it didn’t have one.

Wildlife officials said it’s likely someone owned the animal illegally.

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Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard gets a hug from Brionté McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, during an election-night party in Southwest Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.  (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC