Terrifying moment huge boa constrictor slithers across UK street
The huge boa constrictor was seen crossing a road in Hertfordshire, normally popular with families on the school run. Residents protected it before it was finally captured
A five-foot-long boa constrictor has been spotted slithering across a residential street by terrified parents on the school run.
Resident Laura Jolly Yan has spoken out after she was alerted by a concerned neighbour who saw the snake in the road in leafy Hertfordshire and came running over to knock on her door and alert her. The mum of two said the area is usually busy with parents doing the school run.
Boa constrictors are known for eating 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.
Laura, 42, from Hemel Hempstead, Herts, said: "Our street is popular with the school run and there are a lot of kids, so it's freaky to have a snake that big on a school run. Apparently, if they want to restrict you, they can and would, so it's concerning if it got hold of a child.
"I have two small children, but thankfully, they weren't there. I don't have a fear of snakes, but I don't want to hang out with one. When I first saw it, I laughed because it was so random, and I didn't know enough about boa constrictors to be scared.
"It was big enough to be a concern. A group of people were standing around it to protect it from cars. A neighbour, Skyla, was composed because she owns turtles, so she's familiar with reptiles.
"Another neighbour called the vets to ask for advice, and they said to get the snake into a box or pillowcase. Skyla was the only one brave enough to get it in, and I was surprised at how chill it was about going in."
The drama happened last Thursday, and the snake was eventually reunited with its owner who said their pet had been missing since July.
Laura, a trend agency consultant, added: "They said they thought it had been hiding under a shed for a bit because it likes to do that, but can they not just keep it in the tank? It's been out and about for a long time. It's very strange.
"When I feel something touch me, it instantly makes me jump because the snake is in my mind now."