‘Pretty Scary’ Snake Found Tucked Inside Pipe At N.Y.C. Construction Site

Residents of Manhattan’s Upper West Side were stunned on August 11 when a water snake was discovered hiding inside a pipe at a local construction site. The unusual incident prompted a swift response from the New York Police Department (NYPD), who were called to the scene after reports of the snake had circulated.

The alarm was raised just before 9:30 a.m. local time, following a 911 call regarding a snake spotted in a pipe near the intersection of West 95th Street and West End Avenue. Pier Bueno, the construction superintendent on site, was the first to find the creature, which has since been named Pillow, according to the Animal Care Centers of New York City (ACC).

In an interview with NBC 4 New York, Bueno remarked that while he had encountered various wildlife, such as raccoons and rats, he had never before seen a snake in the area. “It was pretty scary, especially when I saw the officer trying to extract the snake from the piping,” he recalled.

NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit arrived promptly to secure the reptile. Footage from the scene displayed an officer carefully pouring water into the pipe and gently tapping it to coax the snake out. Eventually, the officer was able to retrieve Pillow, enveloping the snake in a cloth bag for safe transport.

Following its rescue, Pillow was handed over to the Animal Care Centers of New York City, where the reptile is currently being housed. Staff members confirmed the name Pillow, a nod to its soft and understated nature. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident, though it certainly left some local residents feeling apprehensive about the possibility of unexpected wildlife encounters.

Many Upper West Side residents expressed their disbelief upon hearing about the snake’s presence. One dog walker stated, “I walk here all the time. So…yeah. Wouldn’t be good,” highlighting a sense of anxiety about potential encounters with other snakes.

Another local, Gretchen Grant, shared her astonishment, saying, “It blows my mind. Of course I think, ‘Is a snake gonna come after me?’ I’ve got to be safe. I can’t have a snake biting me in New York.” Her laughter underscored the surreal nature of the event, bringing some levity to a generally unusual situation in the urban environment of New York City.

Even though the incident has sparked a mix of fear and amusement, it is a reminder of nature’s unpredictability within the bustling metropolis. In a city more commonly associated with rodents and insects, such an appearance from a snake is rare and intriguing.

Photos released by the ACC show Pillow resting comfortably on a blue blanket, appearing to decompress after its unexpected urban adventure. The reptile is now in safe hands, with the organisation ensuring it receives proper care.

While New Yorkers are accustomed to a wide array of urban wildlife, Pillow’s appearance serves to remind residents to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, particularly in construction zones or areas where wildlife may still roam.