Police Searching For Man Caught On Video Stealing Snake

WEST ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — Police say they're searching for a man who was recorded on surveillance video pocketing a snake at a Long Island reptile store and walking away.

Police say the ball python was reported stolen on Monday after the owners of Repxotica in West Islip (EYE'-slihp) in Suffolk County noticed the snake was missing. The store's owners say the snake is worth several hundred dollars.

The owners checked store surveillance footage and saw a man remove the snake from a drawer last week and place it inside his jacket pocket. He then buys several items before leaving the store with the snake.

Store owners say they hope the snake will be returned. They say they haven't been able to track the man down.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]