Exotic Venomous Snake Discovered in New Hampshire Grocery Bananas

A Market Basket employee in Manchester, New Hampshire, discovered a two-foot ornate cat-eye snake hiding in a box of bananas, expressing excitement rather than fear at the find. Ryan Miller initially attempted to save the snake, which is native to Ecuador and considered mildly venomous, after it was discarded by startled coworkers. Realizing the snake might be dangerous, he reported it to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, which responded and relocated the reptile to Rainforest Reptile Shows in Massachusetts. The incident highlights the risk of exotic animals hitching rides in banana shipments from Ecuador, a leading banana exporter. Conservation officials have praised the quick actions of the grocery store employees in ensuring the snake's safety. The ornate cat-eye snake is not commonly found in the United States and thrives in dry forest climates.