LITTLE FALLS, Minn. — A surprising discovery was made recently near the Camp Ripley military base in central Minnesota.

Morrison County sheriff's deputies say a python was found on Highway 115 near Little Falls. Military base security had placed cones around the snake.

Deputies called the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and were told the python was a threat to wildlife in the area, so they shot it.

Authorities tell the St. Cloud Times (http://on.sctimes.com/11dFbCP ) the snake was likely a pet that had been released.