A black eastern rat snake closed down a traffic signal in Manassas after crawling into an electrical panel, authorities said.
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MANASSAS, VA — Traffic in Northern Virginia is constantly a discomfort, however include a huge, ol’ irritable snake and you have the things of problems. A snake closed down a traffic signal on Monday early morning in Manassas, authorities said.
The Prince William County Police Department reported that the big snake crawled into an electrical panel and turned a breaker.
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A policeman and an animal control officer released the snake and launched it; it was not damaged. The traffic control’s electrical panel was not harmed by the crawling burglar.
The power blackout took place at the crossway of Prince William Parkway and Sudley Manor Drive on Monday early morning. The cops department said the traffic signal lost power for about an hour.
Authorities said the offender was a black eastern rat snake. Black rat snakes are not poisonous, though they can mature to 7 feet long, the National Wildlife Federation said.
Related: 3 Snakes To Know On Your Walks, Jogs And Hikes Around VA
Officials reported that this snake had actually resided in the electrical panel for a long time, as they discovered molted skin inside package, according to the Associated Press.
“Crash Investigator Lewton want to take this chance to advise drivers when traffic signals are not working since of a power blackout or other issue (snake maybe) and not showing any lights, treat the traffic control as a stop indication and utilize severe care prior to continuing,” the cops department said on social networks.
