An escaped pet python from a home in Earlsfield has disappeared into southwest London, leaving nearby residents uneasy.
Locals have reacted with a mix of humor and genuine worry as they wait to see where the missing snake might show up.
Here's what to know
In Earlsfield, neighborhood WhatsApp chats "are absolutely losing it," one local told the Daily Mail. The commotion centers on David Hisselhoff, a 31.5-inch (80-centimeter) yellow ball python that the paper reported escaped from a home less than a mile from Wandsworth prison.
The snake's owner, Kate, told the Daily Mail: "The bedroom door was closed but a balcony door was open because of the heat."
She added, "Unfortunately in the morning I've learned I left a tiny crack open in his vivarium and he got out. "My best bet is that he got into the gutters or went on the roof somewhere."
Ball pythons are native to West and Central Africa, are generally docile, and can grow to about five feet long. Kate described David Hisselhoff as "super chill" and "just a curious goofball."
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One resident said, "personally I don't find that much comfort as I hate snakes," while another added, "I'm scared to let the dog outside, what if David Hisselhoff is hungry."
More background
According to the Daily Mail, the snake may head for small, warm hiding places such as sheds, beneath floorboards, near AC units, or under plant pots.
Residents are responding accordingly.
One person said, "Everyone is sleeping with their windows open, I'm terrified to open mine now, even if it's 40 degrees inside."
Another resident urged parents to stay vigilant.
What can be done?
Kate has asked locals who spot the python not to hurt him, but instead to get in touch and keep an eye on him until she gets there.
One resident said, "I know they say he's harmless but a python is a python at the end of the day, and if I find him looking up at me from my toilet, I don't think I'll ever be able to sit on the loo again!"
Where can I learn more?
Unfortunately, pythons can show up unexpectedly in many settings.
• In Scotland, a missing pet python turned up slithering beside car park stairs.
• In downtown Los Angeles, a 20-foot python was rescued after being abandoned in a dumpster.
• In Singapore, a giant python in a drain drew a swift rescue response.
• At a Queensland home, a python atop the air conditioner drew a snake catcher.
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