A pedicab driver with a python wrapped around his neck was arrested early Tuesday in downtown San Diego, accused of drunk driving, police said.

Late-night revelers in the city’s Gaslamp Quarter had spotted the driver and the snake around 1:30 a.m., police said.

The pedicab driver -- Travis Young, 27 -- was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. The snake, a 2-foot-long ball python, was seized by the San Diego County Department of Animal Services and taken to a shelter.

The snake is not a restricted species and can be purchased at pet shops, animal services officials said.


At mid-afternoon, the python was listed as “not doing well” and was under the care of a veterinarian for dehydration, anemia and starvation, a county official said. Its prognosis was unclear.

Ball pythons are not venomous and are known for having a docile nature that makes them a good pet for snake enthusiasts. A ball python can grow to 5 feet in length and live 20 to 30 years.

Follow the reporter on Twitter: @LATsandiego