Another escaped exotic snake has been captured on Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island — this time in Miracle Beach Provincial Park between Courtenay and Campbell River.
Conservation officers found a five-foot-long boa constrictor in the park on Thursday after getting a report that the snake had escaped earlier in the day.
Conservation officers and B.C. Parks staff cleared visitors and closed some trails while they searched for the snake, which was captured at about 1 p.m.
The animal was placed in a plastic bin and transported to the Comox Valley SPCA, after consultation with the provincial wildlife veterinarian.
The Conservation Officer Service said due to its length, the boa constrictor was determined to be a restricted reptile under the Controlled Alien Species regulation, which means that while a permit is not required to own it, it cannot be released under any circumstances.
The service said it is investigating the circumstances of the escape, which may result in enforcement action against its owner.
Conservation officers do not believe the incident is linked to a boa constrictor recently on the loose in Chesterman Beach in Tofino. That boa constrictor slithered away from its owner at Chesterman Beach on June 7.
The 6.5-foot-long snake was found the following Wednesday “snoozing in the depths of this person’s kayak,” according to Coastal Animal Rescue and Education Network in Tofino.
A social media post from the Conservation Officer Service said over the past decade, officers have also captured lions, alligators and monkeys. It said they receive special training to handle the variety of reptiles and exotic animals that fall under the Controlled Alien Species regulation.
Alien species are not considered wildlife, and the province regulates all interactions with the species to ensure public safety.
About 1,200 species are listed in the regulations, which govern the possession, breeding, shipping and releasing of certain exotic animals.
