"Distinctive Patterns"… The Snake at the Center of Gangnam Station Subway Incident Was No Ordinary Snake

Rescued Stray Snake Turns Out to Be Endangered Species
No Owner Found, Transferred to National Institute of Ecology
District Office: "Strict Response to Irresponsible Abandonment"

A stray snake rescued from a subway station restroom in Gangnam District has been identified as an internationally endangered species and transferred to the National Institute of Ecology.

Burmese python urgently transferred to the National Institute of Ecology. Photo by Yonhap News

According to Yonhap News on January 30, Gangnam District announced that the stray snake rescued from a subway station restroom in Gangnam earlier this month was confirmed to be a Ball Python, an internationally endangered species. The snake was urgently transferred to the National Institute of Ecology in Seocheon County, South Chungcheong Province, on January 22.

According to the district, two snakes were found and rescued from a restroom at a local subway station on January 4. Gangnam District immediately took protective measures and issued a notice to find the owner through the Animal Protection Management System (APMS), but no owner has come forward so far.

Subsequently, the Han River Basin Environmental Office confirmed that one of the rescued snakes was a Ball Python, classified as a Class II internationally endangered species. Because the distribution of endangered species is strictly restricted except to their owners, the district decided to transfer the snake to the National Institute of Ecology after consulting with relevant agencies to ensure it could be managed in a more suitable environment.

A district official stated, "Abandoning reptiles in public places can cause anxiety and fear among citizens and constitutes severe abuse of the animals," urging responsible ownership.

District Mayor Cho Sungmyung said, "We will promote a culture of respect for life through prompt rescue and transparent administrative procedures," adding, "We will respond strictly to irresponsible abandonment and strive to create a Gangnam where people and animals coexist harmoniously."

The Ball Python, which can grow up to 1.5 meters in length, is native mainly to Africa. It is non-venomous and known for its docile nature compared to other snake species, making it highly sought after as a pet. Due to this demand, tens of thousands of Ball Pythons are illegally captured in Africa for distribution, leading to ecological destruction. As a result, it was designated as a Class II internationally endangered species in 2005.