Quick Take
- Importing 113,000 snakes historically fueled a domestic abundance that now complicates local containment efforts.
- The South American native has counterintuitively mastered the Florida canopy despite its massive length.
- The Indian River County Sheriff was forced to remove a 9-foot boa constrictor from a woman’s yard.
Florida is often considered America’s premier jungle, so it should come as no surprise when large creatures are found in suburban neighborhoods. The state contains alligators, flamingos, and panthers, as well as a host of invasive species, including iguanas and pythons. Although boa constrictors are native to South America, several have been released or have escaped in Florida. The climate suits them, and there is plenty of food available, so even large snakes like boas can thrive in Florida’s climate. The weather agrees with them, and there are plenty of eating opportunities, so even big snakes like boas can thrive in the right sunshine.
These snakes are interesting to observe from afar. However, they can become a nuisance or even pose a real danger when encountered up close. Less than two weeks ago, one Florida resident got more than they bargained for when they found a massive 9-foot boa in their yard.
Large and Fast
Boa constrictors may be native to South America, but have spread far and wide thanks to the exotic pet trade.
©Alfredo Maiquez/Shutterstock.com
Boa constrictors are one of the largest snakes on Earth. They can grow to lengths between three and four meters (approximately 10 to 13 feet). They are characterized by brown, grey, and yellow coloration and distinct saddle-like markings on their sturdy bodies. Their size and camouflage make them expert ambush predators; boas are known to sit motionless for hours, or even days, waiting for prey to pass by. Once they grab hold of a creature, they wrap around it, tightening their grip with each exhale.
Despite their size, boas are remarkably quick and can move between the ground and tree canopies with relative ease. They are also prized pets and very popular in the exotic pet trade. Between 1977 and 1983, for example, about 113,000 boa constrictors were imported into the United States. This domestic abundance—combined with their agility—makes boa constrictors unwelcome house guests.
Big Ol’ Boa
©Facebook/ircsheriff – Original
As reported by various media outlets, including KRCR TV, one Florida resident got quite a surprise when they discovered a massive boa constrictor hanging out in their yard. On January 25th, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a resident who had spotted a boa constrictor on her property.
Deputies arrived to find a 9-foot boa constrictor. Fortunately, the snake was docile enough for the deputies to capture it and even pose for some pictures. The Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, “It’s not every day one of our deputies catches a 9-foot boa constrictor.”
After taking some photos, the sheriff’s deputies handed the large boa constrictor over to Animal Control. Boa constrictors are a non-native species in Florida. As such, wildlife officials usually remove them from the landscape to prevent harm to local habitats. Luckily, no one was injured during the big boa spotting incident.
