Metre-long python on the loose in Belle River

A metre-long python is on the loose inLakeshore.

The OPP says the owner was in the process of moving the reptile when the three-foot snake slithered away.

Police say the snake is not venomous and is not known to be aggressive toward humans

Despite his efforts, the owner couldn't find the python after an extensive search.

The disappearance happened around 4:30 p.m. Sunday, near the corner of First and Broadway streets in Belle River.

Ken Gelanislives nearby. He said he warned his children about keeping an eye out for the reptile, but is not overly worried.

"They should be able to see it first beforeanythinghappens," he said.

Down the street, another neigbour saidhe is more concerned about the snake's safety then his own.

"I'm more worried about the snake and someone running him over, but I'm not scared," saidPaulMassee.

The snake does have some neighbours worried.

"We have water snakes and garden snakes and stuff like that, but this is kinda on the larger scale so it's a little scary," said Mary East.

East said she will be keeping a closer eye on her dogknowing a metre-long snake could be nearby.

"I think at night when it's dark I think he's going to go out and do his thing while I'm at the door and I'm going to let him in, because I am a little concerned about what I can't see in the dark," she said.

Sam Fallonowns Sam's Pampered Pets in Belle River. He said if the temperature drops to freezing, the snake could die.

"Especially in the weather right now in these conditions it's not in any condition to eat, to move. It would have slithered around for a little while and then it would have gotten cold and it'd be going dormant right now," he said.

Anyone who sees the python is asked to call police.