Non-native snake found slithering in Seattle park

Aug. 10 (UPI) -- A non-native species of snake caused a scare at a park in Washington after authorities believed it was venomous.

Seattle Parks and Recreation shared a photo of the light brown snake that was initially misidentified as a venomous copperhead, before being reclassified as a corn snake.

"GOOD NEWS: WA Fish & Wildlife had a mix-up. Copperhead is actually a corn snake. Still not native but not venomous," the department said. "Thanks Woodland Park Zoo!"

A portion of the park was roped off on Wednesday, after a park guest spotted the snake and sent a report with a photo to Seattle Parks and Recreation.

While it turned out the snake was not venomous, parks and recreation spokeswoman Kelly Brown said the department was still looking to capture and remove it from the park.

"We are very happy to hear we don't have a poisonous snake on the loose in Discovery Park," Brown said. "But it is not native and we still want to have it safely removed."

The snake was sighted multiple times after the additional report and remains at large in the park.