A python found outside a local business last week is available for adoption at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter. 

Employees at First American Title found the large snake outside their office Wednesday afternoon and called the St. Joseph Animal Control and Rescue. According to Animal Control and Rescue Senior Officer Stephen Norman, the ball python was docile and easily caught. 

No one has claimed the python and he is at the Animal Shelter awaiting adoption. Bids for adoption will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Thursday. According to Humane Educator Jenna Keyes, anyone interested in adopting can stop by the shelter and submit a dollar amount they would be interested in paying for the python. That amount is placed in a sealed envelope which will be opened, along with any other envelopes, after 2 p.m. on Thursday. The person with the highest bid will have the first opportunity to adopt. 

Keyes said if the python doesn’t get adopted on bid day, they will keep him there and continue looking for a home for him and possibly reach out to reputable reptile rescue organizations for any resources they may have available. 

For more information on the python or other animals at the shelter, call (816) 271-4877.