One eight-foot reticulated python found in a Gorham washing machine is a novelty. Another eight-foot reticulated python found under a pickup truck in Wilton is a trend. But a trend in what?

A herpetological revolution in Maine can be ruled out. Of states, only Maine and Alaska lack poisonous snakes – the most dangerous species here is probably the garter. It’s unlikely these non-venomous pythons, native to Southeast Asia, would decide the Northeast is a better habitat.

Plus, it would be too troublesome to even get here. Ever since Hollywood got involved, it’s been rough going for any snake on a plane. (Though, passenger traffic at the Portland Jetport has increased. We’re assuming all human.)

Perhaps something more supernatural is occurring. Maine is oft-described as Eden-esque; perhaps these scaly visitors were looking for a convenient apple tree. Or maybe the Harry Potter series isn’t over, after all, and the House of Slytherin is making its next move.

We’d almost prefer these fanciful explanations to the probable reason for these snakes’ sudden appearances: They were purchased out-of-state on a lark, imported on the sly, and their owner(s) had a change of heart on the quick.

Instead of doing the honorable thing and seeking official help to rectify their “retic” problem, the snake owner(s) took the less charming approach and chucked them on the back 40.

The wrongness of this decision is startling. First off, these are potentially massive, predatory serpents, not an old refrigerator or broken-down junker. In their lush natural habitat, retics can spread to lengths of about 10 yards, and are known to enjoy a dog or two for breakfast. Yes, it’s questionable whether they could do the same in this environment.

Releasing them into the wild still borders on reckless conduct.

Reptile rescue experts see this scenario all too often – a person buys an exotic pet on impulse, and keeps it for a short time before changing their mind, or their minds are changed for them.

This situation is compounded when the animals are illegal to possess, as reticulated pythons are in Maine. Wildlife officials should be credited for taking the sensible approach to owners of illicit animals: Instead of letting it loose, call us. We’ll let you off the hook, in return.

A volunteer organization, New England Amphibian and Reptile Rescue, also operates in Maine. The presence of an understanding state agency, and ready rescuers, gives even less reason to release these “pets” into the wild.

Better options are available.

Given the size of the pythons in Gorham and Wilton, it’s entirely possible they were recent purchases, released by a recalcitrant owner. How they wended their way into a washing machine and pickup truck is anybody’s guess.

But neither would have gotten there, if their owners had used common sense in the first place.