A giant boa constrictor believed to be about 4m long is on the loose in Sydney's southern suburbs.
The snake, which has been identified as a red-tailed boa constrictor native to South America, was spotted near Tom Uglys Bridge in Sylvania over the weekend.
The reptile - famous for killing its prey by wrapping around them and squeezing - is understood to be an escaped pet, sparking concerns for local wildlife.
The snake is yet to be captured by authorities with locals warned not to approach the snake or touch it, but report the sighting to authorities.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPIRD) said it was aware of the snake.
'Please do not approach the animal. If safe to do so, take a photo and contact us so that we can identify and attempt to capture the snake,' a spokesperson said.
Professional snake catcher Andrew Melrose, who lives in the Sutherland Shire told the ABC 'There's no real danger towards people unless somebody tries to grab it.'
'You wouldn't want something that size around a neck or something like that, but they're generally animals that won't attack a person for no reason' he added.
A giant boa constrictor is on the loose in Sydney's southern suburbs (pictured)
The snake, which has been identified as a red-tailed boa constrictor, was spotted near Tom's Ugly Bridge in Sylvania over the weekend (pictured)
Red-tailed boa constrictors are not found in the wild in Australia.
Boa constrictor-related deaths are rare. The most recent high-profile case occurred in 2022.
US man Elliot Senseman, 27, died from an anoxic brain injury after his 18-foot pet snake constricted around his neck.
Daily Mail Australia has approached the Sutherland Shire Council for comment.
