Authorities investigating after large boa constrictor captured in B.C. park

The conservation service says its officers receive special training in the proper handling of a variety of exotic animals that fall under the Controlled Alien Species regulations. (Handout)

Conservation officers in British Columbia are investigating after a large boa constrictor was located and captured in a provincial park on Vancouver Island.

A statement from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service says the agency “safely captured” the five-foot snake that was loose in Miracle Beach Provincial Park on Thursday.

The agency says it co-ordinated its response with provincial parks staff to close hiking trails and stop visitors from entering the Black Creek-area park while officers searched for the exotic and potentially dangerous reptile.

The snake was found and captured at approximately 1 p.m., and was taken to the Comox Valley SPCA after consulting with a provincial wildlife veterinarian, the conservation office 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, they cannot be released under any circumstances,” the statement said.

The office says it is investigating the circumstances of the snake’s release, which “may result in enforcement action” against the animal’s owner.

“It is not the first time the COS has seized exotic animals,” the agency added. “Over the last 10-plus years, officers have captured lions, alligators and monkeys.”

The conservation office said the incident is not believed to be related to an incident earlier this month, in which a boa constrictor was reported missing at a beach near Tofino. That snake, estimated at six feet in length, later turned up in its owner’s kayak.

The conservation service says its officers receive special training in the proper handling of a variety of exotic animals that fall under the Controlled Alien Species regulations.

Such species are not native to B.C. and are therefore not considered wildlife.