There’s a slithery situation unfolding on the west coast, and no, it’s not a new surfboard wax trend.
A six foot boa constrictor has gone missing in Tofino, last seen around mid-Chesterman Beach during what appears to have been an outing with its guardian.
The snake reportedly escaped on Sunday afternoon, and Coastal Animal Rescue & Education Network (CARE Network) were notified about it Monday morning.
While not your typical west coast wildlife sighting, the large, non-native snake has prompted a flurry of local interest after CARE Network posted to Facebook asking for help tracking it down.
As of Tuesday morning, it still hasn’t been found.
“We are a point of contact at this point — the guardian wasn’t able to post on Facebook apparently,” said James Rodgers, cofounder of CARE Network.
“I believe he was going to put up some ‘missing’ posters.”
Rodgers said the owner is believed to be a local resident, and had been out with the snake the previous day on another beach in the area.
So far, there have been no confirmed sightings. CARE Network says anyone who spots the boa (or anything even remotely resembling a 6-foot snake) should call them directly at 250-266-WOOF (9663) — or notify animal control or the RCMP.
The snake is not considered dangerous to people, but might pose a threat to small animals.
“Mice and other small creatures should definitely take a wide berth if they see the snake,” Rodgers said, adding that people should avoid trying to pick it up. “Google has some tips on how to stay safe. Ideally folks will just call us to manage the situation.”
As for identifying the reptile?
It has “typical boa colouring” — green, tan, and brown. But Rodgers says if you spot any unusually long snake in Tofino (5 feet, 6 feet, even 12), best to report it just in case.
Boa constrictors are not common in the area, and while it may be legal to keep them in BC under certain conditions, it’s certainly not typical to see one slithering along the shoreline.
Rodgers says CARE Network will continue to post updates if any new sightings or developments arise. In the meantime, anyone living near or walking around Chesterman Beach is asked to keep an eye out — and maybe check under the porch.
To learn more about CARE Network’s work, visit carenetwork.ca. You can also learn about their non-profit mobile vet clinic, Mission Pawsible, at missionpawsiblevetclinic.com.
