Police were called to a Polish beach after reports that a woman had gone into the water with two snakes hanging around her neck.
Officers found no misunderstanding, but a public safety concern that also raised questions about animal welfare.
Here's what to know
According to Around Prague, the incident happened near Łódź at around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5. A person at the beach alerted authorities to a woman with two snakes around her neck, and responding officers confirmed the report.
The woman was a 33-year-old from Piotrków Trybunalski, Poland. Officers said the animals around her neck were two royal pythons, and she told them she had acquired the exotic pets.
After escorting her home and placing the snakes back in their terrariums, officers checked her documents. They then found the reptiles had not been registered with the district authority, even though Polish law requires that step within 14 days of acquiring such an animal.
Under Poland's nature conservation law, that failure can be punished by a fine or arrest. Police also reminded the public that people who keep exotic animals must ensure they do not endanger others or cause unnecessary alarm.
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More background
A situation like this can also put the animals themselves at risk. Reptiles taken into loud, unfamiliar surroundings may become stressed, and any interaction between an animal and a human that goes wrong can end badly for the pet.
Animals involved in incidents with people, whether provoked or not, may ultimately be euthanized.
Registration laws help local officials track exotic animals, enforce care standards, and respond more effectively if an animal escapes or injures someone.
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