Department of Agriculture

Gopher Snake Found and Killed in Waipahu

Honolulu – A Waipahu resident saw a two-and-a-half-foot long snake slithering in his front yard on Tuesday afternoon (6/11). Before the snake could escape, the resident crushed it with a skateboard. The resident then called police, who called agricultural officials to pick up the snake. The light- and dark-brown colored snake was later identified as a gopher snake. The dead snake is being held at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch.

A photo opportunity of the snake is scheduled this afternoon between 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Plant Quarantine Branch, 701 llalo Street (corner of Cooke and Ilalo Streets).

Gopher snakes are found in North America and can grow up to about seven feet. Their diet consists of small rodents, young rabbits, lizards, birds and their eggs. Prey is killed by constriction and suffocation.

Snakes are illegal in Hawaii. Anyone with information regarding this snake is asked to call the Department of Agriculture at 586-0844.

Persons possessing illegal animals are subject to stiff penalties, including fines of up to $200,000 and up to three years in jail. Individuals with illegal pets are encouraged to voluntarily turn them in under the department’s Amnesty Program, which offers immunity from prosecution. Anyone with information or knowledge of illegal animals in Hawaii is asked to call the department’s PEST HOTLINE at 586-PEST(7378).

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