We first learned of this situation when Bushwick Daily reader, Axel Dupeux posted a picture on Instagram yesterday of a massive dead snake at the southern facing side of Maria Hernandez Park. This is no garden-variety snake either; it is quite large with a rusty orange red pattern that fades to yellow on its underbelly.

Here in New York we are trained to be vigilant—to be assertive and aware of our surroundings—but of the many things we are on the lookout for, wildlife isn’t one of them. In fact, our interactions with animals usually begin and end with rodents and pigeons.