A PYTHON stashed in the backpack of a wanted man has shocked police.

Officers had stopped the man in Richmond about 11.10am today when they performed a search.

One put his hand inside the backpack, only to feel the scaly body of the live carpet python.

The Operations Response Unit discovered the man was wanted on warrants when they stopped and spoke with him in Victoria St near Church St.

The 41-year-old from North Melbourne, who was not licensed to possess the reptile, was arrested.

He was bailed to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 29 charged with possessing wildlife without a licence.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning staff collected the snake.