HONOLULU -- A highway maintenance crew accidentally killed a snake near Honolulu International Airport Wednesday, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

The crew works for a company contracted by the state Department of Transportation.

Officials said the crew was doing landscaping work along Nimitz Highway near Valkenburgh Street about 8:40 a.m. when they found the snake.

The snake was accidentially "weed-whacked."

It is not known how the snake got there.

The snake has been identified as a male bullsnake, which is a subspecies of the gopher snake. From the size of the snake, it is believed to be a juvenile.

Bullsnakes are non-venomous. They are found in North America and may grow up to about six feet. Their diet consists of small rodents, young rabbits, lizards, birds and their eggs. Prey is killed by constriction and suffocation.

Snakes are illegal to possess and transport to Hawaii and officials urge those who spot illegal animals or who know of persons possessing illegal animals to call the state's PEST HOTLINE at 643-PEST(7378).

The state’s Amnesty Program allows illegal animals to be turned in and provides immunity from prosecution.

Illegal animals may be turned in to any HDOA Office, Honolulu Zoo, Panaewa Zoo in Hilo or any Humane Society - no questions asked and no fines assessed.

Animals turned in under amnesty will not be euthanized.

The maximum penalty under state law for possessing or transporting illegal animals is a class C felony, $200,000 fine and up to three years in prison.