15-foot python named 'Big Mama' found after escaping from its cage in Chatsworth

CHATSWORTH, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 15-foot python named "Big Mama" that escaped from its cage in Chatsworth last week was found and according to her owner, she didn't go very far.

The reticulated python escaped from its cage on July 3 after it was accidentally left unlocked, leaving residents fearful for their safety and the safety of their pets.

Alex Villalta, the snake's owner, said he had just gotten home from work Wednesday afternoon when he heard a noise.

"Right after I came back from work, about five minutes after I showed up, the door was just ... I felt like somebody was trying to break in," he said. "It was my neighbor just to let me know that she had found her."

Big Mama was hiding in between two sheds near the home, Villalta said.

"... In two sheds that I had checked before numerous times, even with the help of my neighbors, during the day and at nighttime with flashlights."

He said the snake doesn't have an injuries and appears to be in good shape.

"She was literally just coiled up, and I believe she had been hiding somewhere and she just relocated herself," said Villalta. "When my neighbor showed up from work himself, he was able to locate her and honestly, I ran over there so quickly ... it takes a lot of weight off my shoulders."

During the night, the black and yellow snake typically sleeps inside a garage, but during the day, she hangs out in an outdoor sanctuary.

The snake's owners posted more than 300 flyers across the neighborhood amid the search and even put out a $1,000 reward for the reptile's return.

"Because she's a large reptile and some people are not very fond of them, I was a little scared that she would accidentally get hurt," said Villalta. "I definitely didn't want the story to end with her being hungry and accidentally, or intentionally, hurt someone's pet."