Press Releases

July 17, 2008

Maine Wildlife Park to Temporarily Care for Reticulated Python Found in Gorham Woman’s Washer

Augusta – The reticulated python found by a Gorham woman in her washing machine on Wednesday afternoon is a restricted species and not permissible in Maine without a permit.

Individuals or businesses that knowingly import or posses a restricted exotic species could face a Class E Misdemeanor, which if convicted brings a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.

The only pythons that are legal in Maine are the ball, jungle carpet and children's python.

How this particular python got into Maine, and who its owner may be, is unknown at this time.

The snake currently is being taken care of at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray while arrangements are made to transport it to a wildlife rehabilitation facility.

“The reticulated python is being securely housed at the Maine Wildlife Park,” said Lisa Kane, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife natural sciences educator who manages the park. “It was fed and watered today, and appears to be quite active. Although this is not a normal responsibility of Wildlife Park staff, this exotic animal will be well cared for until arrangements can be made to transport it to York Animal Kingdom. Until then, it may be viewed at the Wildlife Park during regular business hours.”

The Maine Wildlife Park, a 200-acre haven with more than 25 different species of native Maine wildlife on exhibit, is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is located on Route 26 in Gray, just 3.5 miles from Maine Turnpike Exit 63.

Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $4 for ages 4-12; $6 for adults; and $4.50 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3 per person.

While the circumstance under which the reticulated python was located has captured national headlines, this dangerous situation demonstrates the risk to humans and wildlife that comes from the illegal importation of restricted exotic animals into Maine, according to Major Gregory Sanborn of the Maine Warden Service.

“This is a prime example of what happens when people either don’t know about the illegal importation law, don’t fully understand it, or just plain ignore it,” Major Sanborn said. “It applies to exotic fish, exotic snakes or exotic primates. People who bring them into the state often abandon the fish or animals and endanger the native species and in this case human live. Luckily in this case no one got hurt.”

According to Vasco Carter, staff biologist at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the department maintains a list of animals that are allowed to be imported and possessed in the state of Maine. If a fish, bird or other animal is on the list, a permit is not required.

For animals not on the list, an individual or business is required to possess two permits – an importation permit and a “possession authority” permit.

There are three separate “possession authority” or classification permits, according to Carter. One is for exhibitors, another to wildlife propagators and the third is for general wildlife or fish possession.

An importation permit is $27, and a possession permit for propagators and general wildlife or fish also is $27. An exhibitor permit is $147.

According to Carter, an individual seeking a permit would call the department about their interest to import and possess an exotic, non-native animal. A discussion would take place as to what the intended use is of the animal. Once a prospective classification is determined, the applicant would need to submit all of the required information asked on the application as well as a veterinarian inspection. If an animal is going to be possessed, the caging facilities also would need to be inspected.

All of the information is reviewed by the agency before a determination is made, Carter said. If an individual is denied a permit, an appeals process is available.

For more information about the Maine Wildlife Park, call 207-657-4977 or visit www.mainewildlifepark.com

For a list of species permissible in Maine, visit http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/species/unrestricted_species.htm

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

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