Five foot long Boa constrictor is found slithering in undergrowth next to the River Thames in south west London
- A large 5ft (1.5m) Boa constrictor was spotted near Barnes Bridge in Chiswick
- The snake was captured near the River Thames by the RSCPA on Sunday
- Its size suggests that it had recently been abandoned – rather than a stray
A large boa constrictor was spotted slithering in the undergrowth beside the Thames in south-west London over the weekend.
The five-foot long (1.5m) snake was captured by the RSPCA on Sunday after it was found near Barnes Bridge in Chiswick.
Animal officers believe its size suggests that it has recently been abandoned, rather than being a stray reptile.
The five-foot long (1.5m) Boa constrictor was captured by the RSPCA on Sunday after it was found slithering in the undergrowth near Barnes Bridge in Chiswick
RSPCA animal collection officer Jade Guthrie, who rescued the reptile from the riverside said that as it was quite heavy, it seemed to be in good condition.
‘He looks quite healthy. It’s got a good weight to it so he’s obviously been looked after,’ she told the BBC.
‘But obviously we’ll give him a health check and make sure he’s all okay.’
As Boa constrictors are native to South America, though mostly bred in captivity, Ms Guthrie speculated on the strange circumstances of it’s appearance in Chiswick.
‘It could have possibly have gotten out and wandered quite far,’ she said. ‘Or it could unfortunately potentially be an abandonment as well.
‘So I’m going to put a ‘found’ poster up and then hopefully an owner comes forward.
‘If not, he’ll go to one of our re-homing centres.’
The snake is currently being cared for by the RSPCA.
RSPCA officer Jade Guthrie said the boa constrictor could possibly have been abandoned
What are Boa constrictors and are they venomous?
Boa constrictors are considered to be one of the largest snake species in the world and can reach lengths of up to 13 feet.
They are non-venomous and have an arrow-shaped head.
Boa constrictors are famous for their method of killing their prey – by squeezing them tightly to death.
They have distinctive patterns on their bodies, sometimes with jagged lines, ovals, diamonds and circles.
They reach sexual maturity at around three to four years of age and can live up to 30 years in captivity.
The snake is native to South America but are widely bred in captivity.
Boa constrictors are very popular within the exotic pet trade.