A one-year-old child is recovering after being attacked Saturday by the family pet — an 11-foot python.

Bradford City Police Chief Mike Ward said officers were called after the child was taken to the emergency room at Bradford Regional Medical Center, and then to Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y.

“This is not the type of case we’re used to dealing with,” Ward said. “The snake has been removed from the home and is being held by a family friend who has a proper enclosure to safely contain the snake during our investigation.”

A joint investigation of the incident is underway with Children and Youth Services, with the district attorney’s office and help from experts in the reptile field.

Ward explained the attack took place inside a residence at 169 South Ave. The mother was at home with three children. The mother was out of the room, and was alerted by the children to the attack.

“The mother of the child found what was occurring and her and two other children wrestled the snake off of the child and away from the child,” the chief said. The python had grabbed the child’s arm constricting and biting, causing “significant bite wounds to the hand and arm, but no life-threatening injuries.”

Ward said the family indicated a significant amount of force was necessary to remove the snake from the child’s arm.

“The family is cooperating with the investigation,” he said. “This is a good reminder for anyone who has exotic pets, reptiles or any animals. Having the proper enclosures and the proper safety measures are very important. And knowing how to handle whatever animal you have.”

Ward said, “We’re just relieved that the child is doing well in a situation that could have been a lot worse. That the child didn’t receive worse injuries.”

The snake was a family pet that they’d owned for some time, and no prior incidents had taken place, he said.