Security officers were searching a suburb in Australia where an adult snake was believed to be wandering after the discovery of a huge, "freshly shed" snake skin.
The skin was found at a construction site, and the government wrote to residents to warn them. They were told to observe and, if possible, photograph the animal. If it was moving, watch where it went. It was recommended not to make contact with the animal.
The type of snake was determined to be one of the world's largest snake species. It is not poisonous, but can still attack and kill its victims. This type of snake is classified as a threat to humans, especially small children, as well as pets. They may carry viruses that are fatal to native snakes, which do not have resistance.
If officers found the snake, they would employ a licensed snake catcher to catch it and transport it to a specialist animal doctor, the government said. If caught, the snake would be examined to determine where it came from, how long it had been in the area, what it had been eating, whether it was carrying any diseases of concern and whether it had produced babies.