An unusual search is underway in south-west London after a pet python escaped its home and is now on the loose. The snake, identified as an 80-centimeter-long yellow ball python named David Hisselhoff, went missing less than a mile from Wandsworth Prison.
Its owner, Kate, reported that the python escaped early Thursday morning. She explained that a small crack in the vivarium was left open, allowing the snake to get out. The balcony door was open due to warm weather at the time of the escape.
Yellow ball pythons are native to West and Central Africa and are generally docile, typically growing up to five feet in length. Kate described David Hisselhoff as a "super chill" and "curious goofball."
Despite the owner's assurances, some local residents have expressed anxiety. Reports indicate that neighborhood WhatsApp groups are active with discussions about the escaped python. One resident stated, "Personally, I don't find that much comfort as I hate snakes," while another voiced concern for pets, asking, "I'm scared to let the dog outside, what if David Hisselhoff is hungry."
The snake is thought to be most active at dawn and dusk and may seek out warm, confined spaces such as under floorboards, in sheds, or near air conditioning units. Kate has asked anyone who spots David Hisselhoff not to harm him but to contact her and keep an eye on him until she can retrieve him.
The escape has drawn comparisons to a previous high-profile jailbreak involving Daniel Khalife, who escaped from Wandsworth Prison in 2023. The proximity of David Hisselhoff's escape to the prison has added to the local concern.