‘I wasn’t worried about it being dangerous, it didn’t have the energy to do any harm’
Chiara Fiorillo and Kim Horton Senior Reporter
09:26, 18 Oct 2025Updated 09:34, 18 Oct 2025
The boa constrictor was found inside a lidded box by a person who was strolling through Withywood Park in south Bristol(Image: Avon and Somerset police)
It was an unusual day for a dog walker when they were out with their pet in a park near a primary school and stumbled upon a boa constrictor in a box.
The reptile was discovered within a covered container by someone taking a stroll through Withywood Park in south Bristol.
Park volunteer Kristie described the snake as “probably the strangest thing we’ve ever seen in the park”.
Avon and Somerset Police rescued the serpent and transported it to a veterinary practice before it was handed over to a reptile charity, reports The Mirror.
The force reported that the boa was ‘cold and lethargic’ and might have died if it had remained there any longer.
Kirstie said she initially believed the snake was dead when she first spotted it.
Nevertheless, after the boa raised its head she recognised it was actually alive, albeit “very weak”.
Speaking to the BBC, the volunteer said she had previously rescued dogs but never snakes.
“I wasn’t worried about it being dangerous, it didn’t have the energy to do any harm,” she said.
Kirstie believes the snake was abandoned. She said: “I understand people are struggling with cost of living but I just wish people who are struggling to look after pets, would reach out.”
Boa facts
Boa Constrictor(Image: Getty)
Boa constrictors eat fish, small birds, monkeys and other reptiles.
They catch their food by wrapping their bodies around their prey and squeezing tight. As the snakes get larger, they can tackle bigger prey such as wild pigs.
Generally, these snakes don’t pose a threat to humans as they are non-venomous and not aggressive – but they can be dangerous, especially if they are large.
Boa constrictors can grow to be between 5ft and 9ft on average, but large females can reach up to 12ft or more, and weigh over 60lbs.
A bite from a large boa can cause severe lacerations. Most bites are defensive and happen when the snake feels threatened or provoked. Serious injuries are uncommon.