A ball python snake that appeared to have been run over by a car in Hilo was euthanized today by the state Department of Agriculture.

The 3-foot, 8-inch snake was found on the side of the road by a Hilo woman lives on the same Lanikaula Street as the Hilo office of the state Department of Agriculture.

The woman reported the snake around 7:30 a.m. and plant quarantine inspectors who went to her home found her and several on-lookers with the snake in a plastic container.

Snakes are illegal in Hawai`i and it is not known whether the snake was being kept illegally as a pet and escaped or whether it had been in the wild.

Because of its injuries, the snake was killed.

Ball pythons can grow up to 6 feet in length but are non-venomous and common in the pet trade industry on the Mainland, agriculture officials said.

They are native to Western and West-Central Africa and are related to boas, which are also constrictors that subdue its prey by coiling around and suffocating it. Ball pythons' diet usually consists of small mammals and birds.

Snakes have no natural predators in Hawai`i and pose a serious threat to Hawai`i's environment, agriculture officials said. Many species also prey on birds and their eggs, increasing the threat to endangered native birds. Large snakes can also be a danger to the public and small pets.

Individuals who have illegal animals are encouraged to turn them in under the state's amnesty program, which provides immunity from prosecution. Illegal animals may be turned in to any state agriculture office, municipal zoo or any Humane Society with no questions asked and no fines assessed, agriculture officials said.

"A snake found roaming free is dangerous sign that they continue to be transported into Hawai`i," said Sandra Lee Kunimoto, chairwoman of the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture. "Whether intentional or unintentional, the transport of snakes poses the most significant threat to our unique environment."

Possessing illegal animals is Class C felony with penalties up to $200,000 in fines and three years in prison. Anyone with information on illegal animals should call the state's toll-free pest hot line at 643-PEST (7378).