Venomous Snake Found Hiding in Grocery Store Bananas in New Hampshire

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A surprising discovery was made at a Market Basket grocery store in Manchester, New Hampshire, on February 15, when an Ornate cat-eyed snake was found among a shipment of bananas. This approximately 1.5-foot-long snake, known for its mild venom, is native to Ecuador, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division.

Lt. Adam Cheney of the division stated that while the team often encounters domestic reptiles, finding a snake from South America was unusual. "I've never seen an Ornate cat-eyed snake before in 25 years," he remarked, describing the find as akin to "opening a Christmas present."

The snake was unharmed and has since been relocated to the Rainforest Reptile Shows Inc., a partner organization specializing in exotic animal care. Vice President Mack Ralbovsky assured the public that they need not be concerned about similar future occurrences. "Snakes in shipments are relatively uncommon," he explained, noting that when shipments come from tropical areas, the presence of small lizards or frogs is more typical.

Rainforest Reptile Shows plans to provide updates on the snake through social media, allowing the public to participate in naming their new resident.

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