Inspector Drew Milne of the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service likened the search for the boa constrictor to finding a needle in a haystack, a 137-hectare park on Vancouver Island. The snake was a 1.5-metre-long boa constrictor, and the search was based on a reliable witness and cool conditions that made it unlikely the snake had slithered far from where it was seen in Miracle Beach Provincial Park, about 250 kilometres northwest of Victoria.
“We narrowed down a location where we felt it probably would have been based upon our understanding of the snake, its behaviour, and the location,” said Milne, describing how the snake was found last Thursday. “We found it within seconds. I had just grabbed that snake and was pulling it out of the bush.”
Background of the Sighting
Boa constrictors are not native to Vancouver Island, and their presence is considered a rare occurrence, especially in a provincial park. The unusual cases have prompted a warning from Sara Dubois, the British Columbia SPCA’s senior director for animal welfare science, who said owning an exotic pet came with special responsibilities.
- Exotic animals can be unpredictable and require specialized care.
- They may have a longer lifespan than expected, and their behavior can be difficult to understand.
- Their presence can disrupt the natural balance of an ecosystem.
Investigation and Search
Inspector Milne and his team searched for the boa constrictor, which was seen in the area last week. The search was based on a reliable witness and cool conditions that made it unlikely the snake had slithered far from where it was seen.
| Location | Time | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Miracle Beach Provincial Park | Last Thursday | The snake was found within seconds. |
| Comox Valley SPCA | After being taken there | The snake is now up for adoption. |
Warning from the SPCA
Sara Dubois, the British Columbia SPCA’s senior director for animal welfare science, warned that owning an exotic pet came with special responsibilities. She said the snake might have escaped its owner but there was the “horrible” possibility that someone might have dumped the animal deliberately.
“The snake doesn’t deserve that, and these animals should never be pets,” said Dubois. “They’re wild animals in other countries, so to breed them in captivity and sell them, as this special kind of unique pet, unfortunately, doesn’t always end very well.”
Special Requirements
Boa constrictors require special care and equipment. They can live up to 30 years and have a specific diet and habitat.
- They require a lot of space to move around.
- They need a specific temperature and humidity level.
- They have specific dietary needs.
Conclusion
Inspector Milne hopes that searching for snakes on the island “is not a trend.” Boa constrictors are categorized as restricted controlled alien species in B.C., meaning that while ownership doesn’t require a permit, release is prohibited under any circumstances.
The reptile is now up for adoption and requires a “very unique, special” owner to adopt it.