Uh-oh! There's a giant snake on the loose and Canberrans are freaking out

WITH a name like Malcolm he sounds friendly enough, but this giant snake is on the loose and freaking out the neighbourhood.

Malcolm has fled his home tree for parts unknown. Picture: Supplied

YOU better watch where you're walking if you're in Canberra today because a snake, about 150-180 centimetres long, named Malcolm is running rogue.

Malcolm usually suns himself in the tree outside his owner's home but today some residents are freaking out because the diamond python has gone missing.

The snake "won't bite" and is "friendly", owner Jay Rawlings told news.com.au, and will probably be on the hunt for a warm and dark place.

"Anyone not familiar with snakes and especially pythons, it would be pretty intimidating," Mr Rawlings said.

That's certainly the vibe from some responses he received to his Facebook appeal for help.

Snakes have baths too. Picture: Jay Rawlings

"Another sleepless night in good old Bonner (Malcolm's home suburb) for me tonight, feeling scared!" said Lisa Lamah.

"Very scary!" added commenter Monique Wood, while others described the creature as "gorgeous".

Mr Rawlings said, despite living in a city that's home to many politicians named Malcolm, the snake isn't named after anyone in particular.

If you have information on Malcolm The Giant Python you can contact its owner here.