Santa Ana police investigated a reported sighting of a highly venomous tropical viper in a residential neighborhood on Monday, only to determine the image leading to the alert was generated by artificial intelligence. The man who initially reported encountering the snake admitted during a follow-up inquiry that the photo was fabricated and the claim was false, according to the Santa Ana Police Department.

The incident began when the individual called 911 after his dogs alerted him to something on a shed near Main Street and Edinger Avenue. He provided an image showing a large snake coiled on a thin tree branch above the shed. The department posted a public advisory cautioning residents about the presence of the potentially dangerous reptile and shared the photograph on social media.

However, experts quickly raised doubts about the image’s authenticity. The species depicted in the photo is known to live on the ground and can weigh more than 45 pounds, making it highly unlikely the snake could be perched on a fragile branch in a tree. Greg Pauly, a herpetologist with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, pointed out that the branch appeared to intersect the snake’s body unnaturally, suggesting the image was manipulated. Pauly also noted that it is improbable for the snake to climb or balance on such a branch, indicating the animal either was placed there or the image was computer-generated.

Despite these concerns, the Santa Ana Police Department treated the report seriously and coordinated a response. Officers joined with wildlife experts, including the president of the Southern California Herpetology Association and Rescue, to search for the viper across the neighborhood for several hours. Police urged the public to remain vigilant, advising residents not to approach or attempt to capture the snake if seen.

By Monday evening, authorities confirmed no evidence of the animal’s presence and declared the area safe. The police department later clarified that the entire episode was based on a falsified AI-generated image and that no such snake was found in the vicinity. The department emphasized the importance of verifying reports before mobilizing emergency responses but appreciated the community’s cooperation during the search.