« Back to Exotic Incidents Database

Boa Constrictor Found in British Columbia

Incident Date:
06/27/2025
Location:
Comox, ID - CA
Facility Name:
Facility Type:
Exotic Pet (E)
Incident Category:
Abandoned animal (AA)
Species:
Reptiles
Animal:
Boa Constrictor
Animal disposition:
Removed/Re-housed

Summary:

COMOX, B.C. – CANADA – Conservation officers successfully wrangled a 1.5-meter-long boa constrictor near Comox on Vancouver Island on Thursday. Officers were alerted to a “potential large snake on the loose” in Miracle Beach Provincial Park, about 150 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, according to a Facebook post from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS).

Some trails were temporarily closed, and park visitors were turned away at trail entrances, while officers searched for the snake. Conservation officers are investigating the circumstances of the loose snake, but many believe that the owner of the snake intentionally released them.

The COS said it does not believe the incident is linked to a boa constrictor that was recently captured in Tofino, B.C. Because of the boa constrictor’s length, they are considered to be a “restricted reptile,” which means that they cannot be released under any circumstances under the Controlled Alien Species regulation, according to the COS.

The boa constrictor is now in the care of the Comox Valley SPCA.

Action take by Born Free USA:

Notes: