Sept. 16 (UPI) — Animal rescuers in Pennsylvania were summoned to help police with the capture of a 3-foot boa constrictor found slithering across a road.
The Raven Ridge Wildlife Center said personnel responded to a call from Columbia police about a snake found in the middle of a road.
“While we don’t rehabilitate or take in exotic animals like boa constrictors, we knew we couldn’t leave this animal in a dangerous situation, as it was obviously not native to the area,” the wildlife center said on social media.
Police covered the snake with a trash can and secured it into place with a brick while waiting for a rehabilitator to arrive.
“Our rehabber carefully lifted the garbage can to assess the snake’s head position and its size,” the post said. “The boa was clearly tired and frightened but was gently picked up and placed in a crate for transport back to our center.”
The Forgotten Friends Reptile Sanctuary is assisting with the care of the snake while officials attempt to find its owner.
Rescuers said it is not yet clear whether the boa escaped from home or was intentionally released by its owner.
“Instead of releasing an unwanted exotic pet, owners should contact local animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or agencies that offer exotic pet amnesty programs,” the center said.
