Snake on a plane:Reptile loose in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A snake carried onto a commuter airplane flying between Alaska communities caused a commotion this past weekend.

Anchorage television station KTVA reports that the loose snake was spotted Sunday on a 90-minute Ravn Alaska flight between Aniak in southwest Alaska and Anchorage.

Photos show a pale snake about 4 to 5 feet long curled up under a carry-on bag. Another shows a flight attendant placing it into a trash bag.

Ravn Alaska spokesman William Walsh says a passenger violated airline policy by bringing the snake aboard. He didn’t confirm the type of snake or whether the passenger could face charges.

Walsh says the airline prohibits rodents and reptiles, including snakes, from being used as emotional support animals. Snakes aren’t found in most of Alaska.

The flight landed as scheduled in Anchorage.

— The Associated Press

In this Sunday, March 19, 2017 photo, a flight attendant holds a snake found on a Ravn Alaska flight between Aniak, Alaska and Anchorage. The snake escaped from a passenger on a previous flight. The flight attendant captured the reptile and placed it in a trash bag and stowed it in an overhead luggage compartment. (Anna McConnaughy via AP)

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_AP17080781691941.jpg.optimal.jpgIn this Sunday, March 19, 2017 photo, a flight attendant holds a snake found on a Ravn Alaska flight between Aniak, Alaska and Anchorage. The snake escaped from a passenger on a previous flight. The flight attendant captured the reptile and placed it in a trash bag and stowed it in an overhead luggage compartment. (Anna McConnaughy via AP)