A New York man was sentenced to one year of probation and fined $5,000 Wednesday for trying to smuggle three Burmese pythons hidden in his pants across the U.S.-Canada border.

Calvin Bautista, 38, was attempting to take a bus from Montreal to New York City in 2018 when he placed three pythons in a snake bag attached to the inside of his pants. Associated Press (AP News) reported. (Related: Man arrested at airport on suspicion of smuggling wild animals in underwear: report)

Bautista bought the snake, valued at about $2,500, at a reptile store in Canada, the Associated Press reported.

But officials said he did not have the necessary documentation to import constrictor snakes into the United States. press release By the United States Attorney's Office.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers were conducting a passport check and border crossing when they captured him along with three snakes, according to a press release.

The Burmese python is an invasive species in North America. florida The area has few natural enemies, so it is an invasive species that poses many problems, including preying on local pets. They are known to grow up to 18 feet long and can disturb the equilibrium of local ecosystems.

Today's #animalday The Burmese python is one of the largest snakes on earth. He can grow up to 25 feet long and as thick as a telephone pole, and is an effective predator in his native habitat. The problem is that their habitat is supposed to be Southeast Asia, but due to the illegal pet trade, it's now in Florida. pic.twitter.com/W27ladQtwX

— Joe Prozac (@JoeProzac) February 8, 2024

In addition, they are considered a “hazard to human health” and are restricted from import into the United States, the Associated Press reported.

Bautista's lawyer did not respond to requests for comment, according to the Associated Press.