West Midlands Police become snake charmers

Police officers in Aston, Birmingham, rescued a 10ft boa constrictor from the middle of a busy road. The officers were on patrol when they spotted the snake slithering near a park. Determined to ensure the snake didn't escape, the officers used a broom and other tools to guide it into a pillowcase. They then handed the boa constrictor over to Birmingham Reptiles, a local pet shop, where it was examined and found to be unharmed. The snake will remain at the pet shop until it is either claimed by its owner or rehomed.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police commented on the incident, stating that while officers often have to deal with slippery situations, encountering a boa constrictor in the middle of a busy road was a shock. The officers handled the situation by gently maneuvering the snake into a pillowcase before taking it to a reptile center for checks.

Earlier in the year, another boa constrictor was discovered in a park in southwest London, where it was rescued by the RSPCA due to breathing problems and ulcers. The RSPCA highlighted the issue of neglect and abandonment of exotic animals, urging owners to take responsibility for their care. Boa constrictors are non-venomous and are generally not capable of harming humans.