‘Very large’ nonnative snake found dead, dumped along rural roadway

IOWA COUNTY, Wis. (WMTV/Gray News) - Authorities in Wisconsin said a large, nonnative snake was found dead and dumped along a rural roadway.

The snake was discovered along County Highway Z, north of Hillside School, according to the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials said the snake was not native to Wisconsin and was likely being kept in captivity before it was abandoned.

“We do have a lot of snakes in the area, but when we got pictures of how large it was, we knew it wasn’t just a snake that’s normally living here,” Iowa County Sheriff Michael Peterson said.

The way the snake was left on a public roadway raised concerns and prompted calls from passing motorists.

Iowa County officials believe the snake had a medical emergency at a veterinary clinic and died.

Peterson said the snake was supposed to be buried but was instead put on the side of the rural road.

The sheriff’s office did not specify the species of the snake but described it as “very large.”

Arena Fire Chief Todd Pinkham and other bystanders helped remove the snake from the roadside.

Authorities worked to determine who owned the snake, and the previous owner reached out to the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, according to officials.

The Iowa County District Attorney’s Office is also reviewing the incident.

The snake has since been properly buried.