At Frick Park in Pittsburgh, a park-goer experienced quite a surprise while exploring one of the numerous trails. During the outing, they made a discovery that would send most people running: an absolutely massive snake in a nearby tree. Although the park-goer captured a photograph of the large snake and a hunt is underway, the enormous creature remains missing, and Pittsburghers are being asked to keep an eye out for it.

A large snake, which initially didn’t appear to be native to the Pittsburgh-area or to Pennsylvania, has been spotted in Frick Park, according to the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department.

Facebook/Pittsburgh Public Safety Department

Earlier today, a witness contacted authorities after spotting the massive snake, estimated to be between six and eight feet long, slithering up a tree. The photo of the snake below has been released by the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department.

Facebook/Pittsburgh Public Safety Department

Both Pittsburgh Park Rangers and Animal Care & Control officers are currently searching for the snake. Some area residents have taken to social media with speculation that it’s a black rat snake.

Flickr/Matthew Beziat

The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, according to the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department, later confirmed that it is a black rat snake.

Flickr/Judy Gallagher

Black rat snakes, which are common throughout Pennsylvania, are not venomous and are notorious tree climbers. They generally eat frogs, rodents, and other small animals and can grow to between six and eight feet in length.

Flickr/Cindy Sims Parr

All Pittsburgh-area residents and park-goers are being asked to keep an eye out for the snake. If you happen to see the snake, do not approach it.

Flickr/Nancy Magnusson

Instead move away, and contact the authorities. The police in Zone 4 are also working on finding the black rat snake.

Flickr/Lynette Elliott

Keep up-to-date with the search for the black rat snake on the website of the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department. The page refreshes every 60 seconds.

Facebook/Frick Park

Black rat snakes are just one common snake species in Pennsylvania. Did you know that timber rattlesnakes are also common in the state?

Facebook/Pittsburgh Public Safety Department

Flickr/Matthew Beziat

Flickr/Judy Gallagher

Flickr/Cindy Sims Parr

Flickr/Nancy Magnusson

Flickr/Lynette Elliott

Facebook/Frick Park

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Address: Frick Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA