Australia, Oct. 15 -- Residents of a Sydney suburb have been cautioned by the local government of New South Wales, following the discovery of a huge "freshly shed" snake skin on Monday.

The massive boa constrictor is believed to be at large in Silverdale, a small town to the west of Sydney, after its skin was spotted at a property.

Biosecurity officers are combing through the Cascades area of Silverdale for the reptile.

Officials estimate the snake to be at least 8.2 feet long with the potential of engulfing prey up to four times the size of its stomach.

"The snake is capable of suffocating and killing children under two and can injure grown adults by biting their arms or legs," Local snake catcher Sean Cade said.

"This thing would t...