pro-government says a runaway python exposes the risks of careless exotic-pet ownership

pro-government says a runaway python exposes the risks of careless exotic-pet ownership
A ball python found in the yard of a primary school in New Belgrade sparked alarm after a cleaner discovered the approximately 40-centimetre snake curled up near the children’s play area. The animal hissed when people tried to approach it, according to a report by Telegraf.rs.

School administrators quickly evacuated the area and called the relevant authorities, who safely removed the snake. Because it was a juvenile, initial concerns focused on whether a larger adult python might also be nearby. Those fears eased when a man reportedly contacted officials and identified himself as the owner, saying: “It fell out of my backpack.”

A follow-up account described the discovery as an example of the risks created when exotic pets are transported or housed improperly. It reported that keeping wild or exotic animals in Serbia is permitted under strict conditions, including approval from the competent authorities. Owners of ball pythons may also need CITES documentation showing that the animals were legally bred rather than taken from the wild.

The same report said owners are expected to keep such snakes in secure terrariums and suggested that carrying one in a backpack could breach basic safety requirements. Ball pythons are popular among beginners because they are generally calm, relatively easy to maintain and usually grow to between 1.2 and 1.5 metres.

The two reports agree that the snake was removed safely and that its owner came forward, but the follow-up account places greater emphasis on legal obligations and the possibility of consequences. It remains unclear whether authorities will take action over the escape or the animal’s transport.