Snake on a train: Police seize python from railway passenger

WOY WOY, Australia, July 20 (UPI) -- Police in Australia said a 3-foot jungle python named Bread was seized from a train passenger who pulled the serpent out of his backpack to show fellow passengers.

New South Wales police said in a Facebook post the 20-year-old man was riding a NSW Central Coast train Monday night when he removed the snake from his backpack and started showing it to fellow passengers.

"A number of passengers were concerned for the welfare of the snake and contacted police," the post said.

Police caught up with the man at Woy Woy Railway Station and determined he did not have a permit for the python, named Bread.

The snake was confiscated and taken to Woy Woy Police Station before being transferred to the Australian Reptile Park, where it was found to be in good health.

Police said the owner is expected to be charged with possessing and displaying protected fauna, which carries a maximum fine of about $225.

"If you put yourself in the shoes of someone who has a fear of snakes, that would be a terrifying situation," police Superintendent Danny Sullivan told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "If I could give one piece of advice -- don't get your snake out on a train."

NSW Police joked about the incident on Twitter: "Dear Pokemon Go fans -- we can confirm it was NOT Ekans."