Boa Constrictor on the loose in Surrey, B.C.
Snake's owner asking residents to help find lost pet
The owner of a 1.5-metre boa constrictor is asking people walking through the Fleetwood neighbourhood in Surrey, B.C., to be on the lookout for the missing snake.
Signs have been posted throughout the area asking anyone who sees it to contact the owner.
Sara Dubois with the B.C. SPCA says the risk to the public is minimal.
"There are more risks to the animal itself being out there without food or care," she said. "That's the main issue here."
The animal falls within the exotic pet regulations, but Dubois questions whether snakes like this one should be allowed as a pet.
"It's about what the animal's needs are — and we don't think that most people can provide for the proper needs of exotic pets."
Look up, way up
Park goers don't need to tip-toe around the neighbourhood trying to avoid stepping on the snake.
"I'd be looking up. These are arboreal snakes so they go up into trees," Dubois said.
The SPCA is asking anyone who sees the snake not to touch it, and to call Surrey by-law control instead.