WAILUA — Recent articles and rumors about a large snake being sighted in the Wailua River State Park have caused many people to become concerned, and rightly so, Department of Land and Natural Resources officials say. However, the DLNR and
WAILUA — Recent articles and rumors about a large snake being sighted in the Wailua River State Park have caused many people to become concerned, and rightly so, Department of Land and Natural Resources officials say.
However, the DLNR and agriculture department have issued a press release calling for people to keep calm heads.
No firm evidence of a snake has yet been found, officials say.
There have been a couple of second and third hand reports received from people who have alleged to having seen a large snake within Wailua River State Park during the past two months.
The only first hand observers that were interviewed, officials say, have provided rather tentative and inconclusive descriptions.
Considerable time has been spent by DLNR searching for the animal with no sign of it.
State officials say they are very interested in accurate and immediate reports of anything leading to the location and capture of any alien snake on Kaua’i. Promptness and accuracy in reporting will aid in location and capture.
The public needs to be aware that firearms are not permitted within state parks, except by authorized law enforcement officers and wildlife officials.
DLNR, the press release noted, has not encouraged a reward for the alleged snake’s capture as this may lead to Illegal and unwanted activities.
The best way that the public can help, officials say, is to provide accurate and prompt reports of anything seen related to the observation of a possible snake.
Most snakes are not aggressive and will avoid humans if possible.
“We certainly do not want snakes to become established here, as they could cause serious economic and ecological damage,” officials cautioned. This is a general appeal to citizens on Kaua’i to report any and all animal life that does not belong here.
Promptness and a good description of what is sighted and where it is sighted is important.
Residents are asked to report any information to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 274-3433, or the Department of Agriculture 274-3069.
