Seasonal & Holidays
Is There an Anaconda Slithering Around Maine?
A 9-foot green anaconda skin turned up in Westbrook; police don't know if it's a hoax or an actual snake nicknamed "Wessie."
WESTBROOK, ME — An anaconda might be on the loose in Maine. Westbrook police said tests confirmed a 9-foot snake skin found at Riverbank Park on Aug. 20 indeed is that of a nearly full-grown green anaconda.
The snakes are native to South America; it's illegal to own one in Maine. Authorities launched a search for the snake that was ongoing as of Sept. 1.
"We do not know if the snake skin was planted as a hoax or if it was actually left there by an anaconda," police said in a statement. "The Westbrook Police Department continues to work with specialists to strategize on ways to locate and capture or euthanize the snake."
Find out what's happening in Augustawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The snake, if it indeed exists, has captured the attention of locals who nicknamed it "Wessie."
Find out what's happening in Augustawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Photo: Westbrook police
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.