Police are cautioning the public to be aware of a large snake in the Westbrook, Maine area after they observed a 10-foot snake eating a large mammal on the banks of the Presumpscot River.
According to the Westbrook Police Department, an officer on patrol at 3:30 a.m. near Riverbank Park saw the snake eating a large mammal, likely a beaver.
Police had put out a warning about the snake last week after receiving reports from a person who said they saw a snake “the length of a car.” Locals have since dubbed the snake “Wessie” or the “Presumpscot Python.”
During this morning’s incident, a second officer arrived on the scene and both watched the snake swim across the river from Speirs Street to Brown Street, where it disappeared in thick underbrush. The officers estimated the length of the snake to be at least 10 feet.
Police contacted the Maine Warden Service, who said they expect the snake will remain dormant for a few days because it just ate a substantial meal.
Police are asking the public to be mindful of the snake’s presence in the area and immediately report any sightings so the animal can be removed from the river.