WAYNE COUNTY — Wayne County authorities are on the lookout for a 7 to 8-foot snake in Sims.

According to the sheriff’s office, they were notified Tuesday of multiple pythons abandoned in a residence on North Railroad Street in Sims.

Wayne County Sheriff Chris Otey and deputies responded to that residence with the assistance of reptile handlers and captured two of the three reported snakes.

The sheriff’s office reports the remaining snake is also a python and is between seven and eight feet long. While they believe the snake is still inside the residence, out of an abundance of caution they wanted the community to be aware the snake may have managed to get outside.

The sheriff’s office is working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to locate the snake. If anyone spots the snake, they’re asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 618-842-6631.