MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A West Virginia man is facing criminal charges after his 15-foot python escaped into a wooded area and has been missing for about a month.

Police in Morgantown announced Thursday that 19-year-old Shane Stevens has been arrested and charged with allowing an animal to run at large.

Authorities say Stevens was transporting his pet snake in a truck on May 30 when it broke out of its enclosure and slithered into the woods outside Morgantown. A criminal complaint says that Stevens told officers the snake is dangerous.

A search party that included a drone aircraft couldn’t find the python and officials have since called off the hunt. Police say it was last seen on a hillside near Listravia Avenue.

A court clerk says Stevens doesn’t yet have an attorney.

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