Belgrade school finds juvenile ball python in courtyard

A juvenile ball python, approximately 40 centimeters long, was discovered in the courtyard of an elementary school in New Belgrade. The snake, estimated to be between two and three months old, was found by a maintenance worker, causing initial concern among staff and parents.

The Institute for Nature Protection of Serbia successfully recovered the animal and reported that it is in good general health, though it has minor bite injuries, likely from a cat. Because the snake is not microchipped, authorities have been unable to identify an owner. While an unofficial report suggested a man claimed the snake fell from his backpack, the Institute stated they have no reliable information regarding how the animal arrived at the school.

The ball python is an internationally protected species. It is currently being held in a terrarium at the Institute, which will contact the Ministry of Environmental Protection regarding permanent care. The species is known for its calm nature and its tendency to curl into a ball when threatened.