Australian pythons discovered in northern German town

The second of two Australian pythons to be found this week was discovered on Saturday by surprised passers-by, local police and media reported.

An expert from the area was called in to catch the carpet snake, which was found slithering near a grassy area in the town of around 8,500 people. Both reptiles measured some two and a half meters in length.

"Hopefully there aren't anymore," a spokesperson for the police said, according to German news agency DPA.

Authorities suspect someone let the snakes loose on purpose, although they haven't identified a suspect.

In Lower Saxony, meanwhile, three other snakes were discovered when a motorist found a suspicious bag in a parking lot. The person called the police, who promptly took the constrictors to a local wildlife sanctuary.