YONKERS, NY — In a coincidental turn of events that underscores the value of specialized training, the Yonkers Police Department’s Emergency Service Unit successfully handled a snake found in an apartment building lobby.
This incident occurred just hours after the unit completed a reptile training session.
On the previous evening, the Emergency Service Unit underwent an extensive training session led by reptile experts Steve and his son Zach. The session focused on safely managing encounters with reptiles during police duties. Little did the officers know how soon they would need to apply this knowledge.
The very next morning, the unit received a call about a snake sighting in the lobby of a local apartment building. The snake, identified as a full-grown Northern Brown Snake, measured over a foot in length. This species, native to the area and non-venomous, feeds on worms and was likely seeking refuge from the colder temperatures outside.