Boa constrictor not yet claimed

What's 9 feet long and definitely not a Yuma native?

The answer: a boa constrictor that officers with the Yuma Fire Department and the Humane Society of Yuma captured Saturday in the 900 block of South 8th Avenue.

The snake, which officials previously thought was a python, is currently at the HSOY - in a separate room from the other animals at the shelter.

Annette Lagunas, director of operations with HSOY, said if the snake isn't claimed by Friday, he'll go to either a zoo or a rescue organization.

"You wouldn't just find a (boa constrictor) in Yuma," said Shanen Aranmor, director of development services with HSOY. "Somebody had it.

"We're just really hoping that the owner comes forward."

Lagunas said the owner would need to show some sort of proof and pay fees associated with capturing and boarding the snake. That would be a $25 impound fee and $10 per day for board, but that's not different than any other animal the HSOY picks up, she said.

"We do have to recover our cost for caring for him and going and picking him up."

She said there has been some interest - at least one person has called HSOY wanting the snake - but they can't adopt the snake out like they do cats and dogs.

Animal control officer David Williams, who responded to the call Saturday, said the snake is in good condition and it's been well cared for.

With this case, he said, the owner may not have let the snake loose on purpose. It could have just gotten away.

"They're escape artists," he said. "Their terrarium lids have to be locked down."

Williams said as the snakes get bigger, so does the food they require, and the snake may go in search of bigger meals such as dogs or cats.

Aranmor said the snake brought in Saturday appears to have been fed fairly recently, so they won't have to feed him for at least several more days, in which case she said they'll use frozen rodents.

The danger with having an exotic pet such as a boa constrictor, Lagunas said, is people may not be prepared for the care that's involved. When they get the animal, it's small and easy to care for.

"They have no clue on how to take care of a reptile," Lagunas said. "Then it gets to an animal of this size and they don't know what to do."

There are no penalties for claiming the snake, only the fees associated with capturing and boarding it. The HSOY encourages the owner to claim the snake.

For more information, call the HSOY at 782-1621.

---
Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.