A ball python was found in the hallway of an apartment complex in Port Jefferson Thursday, according to Strong Island Animal Rescue.

Frankie Floridia says he received a call from the Suffolk County Police Department about the snake, so he brought a tank and proper gloves to help contain it.

He says the species of snake eats live small animals and could become a threat to the public as it gets bigger it.

The ball python found can grow to be 3 to 4 feet long.

Floridia says the snake was likely someone's pet that escaped.

"Please, if your animal goes missing - report it," Floridia says. "That way we can get an idea of what we're looking for and where to find it."

Floridia says the ball python will be up for adoption in a couple of days as long as the snake gets a clean bill of health.

He says it takes a lot of responsibility to own these types of animals - and secure tanks and experience is suggested.

Anyone who has a ball python or other animal that is illegal in certain areas can hand them into the SPCA without penalty.