Large Non-Venomous Snake Captured in Valladolid Home

Valladolid, Yucatan — Police captured a large non-venomous snake inside a home in the San Juan neighborhood after a resident reported the reptile, causing tension among the household.

Valladolid Municipal Police officers responded to the call during a security patrol. After locating the animal, they carefully extracted it using appropriate techniques to avoid stressing the specimen while ensuring the family’s safety.

The snake was then taken to a veterinarian for evaluation, who identified it as a Drymarchon melanurus maya, known in the Yucatan Maya region as ekuneil or “black tail.” It is a non-venomous specimen approximately 1.5 meters long.

Authorities said the snake will remain under medical observation before being returned to its natural habitat, emphasizing the importance of protecting wildlife and acting responsibly during such encounters.

Characteristics of the Ekuneil Snake

The ekuneil (Drymarchon melanurus maya) is a snake native to the Yucatan Peninsula that typically inhabits jungles, woodlands, and rural areas near communities. Its main characteristics include:

• It is non-venenomous and rarely poses a danger to people
• It can reach between 1.5 and 2 meters in length
• It has dark coloration with a black tail, from which its Maya name derives
• It is fast and very active during the day
• It feeds on rodents, lizards, small birds, and even other snakes, playing an important role in ecological balance

Recommendations if You Find a Snake

Specialists and authorities recommend following these measures if you detect a snake inside or near a home:

• Stay calm and do not attempt to capture it
• Move away slowly and avoid sudden movements
• Do not hit or kill the animal, as many species are harmless and part of the ecosystem
• Keep children and pets at a distance
• Report the finding to Civil Protection, police, or environmental authorities so trained personnel can perform the rescue