A Danish woman discovered a four-metre-long tiger python in her compost container in northern Jutland, she told broadcaster DR Friday.

The woman alerted police about her unwanted visitor Thursday, and a few hours later the snake was in safe custody.

A reptile expert who helped catch the snake said it weighed 40 kg and appeared to be in good condition. A snake of that size would likely have no problem feeding on cats or large rats, the expert, Peter Love Mark, told Danish media.

Police have asked the owner of the snake to contact them, otherwise it would likely find a new home in a zoo.

Tiger pythons hail from Southeast Asia. Some specimens have measured over eight metres.