Police: Venomous snake sighting was AI hoax
A Southern California police department has withdrawn a public warning about a venomous snake on the loose after determining the purported snake sighting was actually a hoax fueled by an AI-generated image.
The Santa Ana Police Department said Sept. 29 that the person who reported seeing a Gaboon viper in a residential neighborhood later admitted the photo he provided was created with artificial intelligence and that the report was false. The department had issued an alert a day earlier warning residents about the allegedly loose snake.
Here’s what happened.
AI-generated photo sparked snake alert
Police initially warned residents on Sept. 28 after receiving reports of what appeared to be a 4- to 5-foot Gaboon viper spotted in a tree in Santa Ana, about 32 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
But detectives later followed up with the reporting party, who acknowledged the image was AI-generated and that no snake had been seen.
“During the follow-up investigation, he admitted the photo was AI-generated and that the report was false,” the department said in an update.
What is a Gaboon viper?
Gaboon vipers are large, venomous snakes native to Central, East and West Africa, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Known for their camouflage, the snakes blend into leaf litter with markings that resemble fallen leaves. They typically feed on small- to medium-sized birds and mammals, waiting motionless before striking.
Unlike many snakes that strike and release prey, Gaboon vipers often hold on until the animal dies, according to the zoo.
The Smithsonian says bites to humans are rare and usually occur when someone accidentally steps on the snake or otherwise startles it.
Why did the report gain attention?
The initial warning quickly spread online because Gaboon vipers are not native to North America and are considered highly venomous.
Police had urged residents to keep their distance and contact authorities if they spotted the reptile. Those warnings have since been rescinded after investigators determined the sighting never occurred.Detectives followed up with the reporting party, who initially said he saw the snake and provided the original photo. During the follow-up investigation, he admitted the photo was AI-generated and that the report was false.
Police would not confirm whether or not they planned to file a false report charge at this time.
This story has been updated with new information.
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers space phenomena, scientific studies and natural disasters. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
