Albino python found slithering near Chilliwack, B.C.

An illegal albino Burmese python has been caught in the wilderness near Chilliwack, B.C., after the owner apparently dumped him to avoid getting into trouble.

The two-metre snake, which is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, didn't take well to the B.C. backcountry and is reportedly in bad shape.

Veterinarian Adrian Walton is currently nursing the reptile back to health at his clinic in Maple Ridge.

"He is this absolutely beautiful yellow snake," Walton said. "He's extremely friendly. This kind of snake is what I call the Great Dane of the snake world."

Walton said new legislation means a permit is required to own any of these animals.

"A lot of people never pursued their permits, and so when they decide they want to get rid of them, there's really no where to give them."

Walton is hoping the authorities will be able to find a loving home for the as yet unnamed snake.

In the wild, Burmese pythons can grow as long as almost six metres, and once fully grown, can weigh as much as almost 70 kilograms.