Fugitive snake captured, returned to owner

ARTHUR

A fugitive boa constrictor, on the lam for over a month, was captured on Monday just south of Arthur.

Wellington County OPP received a call around 2:41pm stating the six-foot snake was discovered by a motorist lying in the northbound lane of Highway 6 near Sideroad 19.

The location is about the halfway mark between Arthur and the Alma turnoff.

The motorist attempted to ensure the snake was not run over after calling the OPP. The snake was put in a sack by an ambulance crew that arrived on scene and later turned over to the OPP.

Officers returned the snake to its owner in Arthur, who confirmed it was his snake. The owner told police he would take it to the veterinarian to be examined. The snake was reportedly in good condition when discovered.

An OPP spokesman said the snake was returned because there are no regulations prohibiting the owner from having it.

Wellington North has no exotic pet bylaw, but Mayor Ray Tout has indicated council will look into a bylaw in light of what happened.

The OPP originally sent out an alert on June 20, when it was discovered the snake had escaped from a main street apartment in Arthur.

July 27, 2012