Preparing to do yard work Monday afternoon, Victor Morales, 14, got a big surprise when he stepped into his backyard.

"I was in my front yard looking for a rake, and I came in the back to look for one, and I just saw the 7-foot snake just laying right there," Morales said.

This large boa constricter apparently slithered into the yard after escaping from its owner's home next door, causing quite a scare for the teen.

"I was shocked, but I went back inside, told my mom there was a snake in the backyard, and she told me to call 9-1-1," Morales said.

The Yuma Fire Department arrived to Morales's house on Morrison Street and say the snake seemed very sluggish likely due to the cold weather.

"It wasn't real active. It was something where the firefighters were able to grab it and get it in a bag," said Mike Erfert, Public Information Officer for the Yuma Fire Department.

As unusual as it sounds, this is the second time a giant snake has been found outside a Yuma home this year. That's why fire officials say you should be cautious if you find yourself in the same coil of a mess.

"It's important for people to understand that these aren't play toys. They're conceivably dangerous and very strong animals. If you see them, leave them alone, and make a call," Erfert said.

As for Morales, he's thankful he found the snake in time before any of his younger relatives.

"I don't really think people should have pets like that because they're really dangerous, and if they escape they might be able to hurt somebody reallly bad, maybe even kill them," Morales said.

Fire officials urge all snake owners to place their pets in large enclosed aquariums or cages to make sure they can't escape.