Panic as giant boa constrictor found next to UK primary school by dog walker

A giant boat constrictor was discovered alive near a primary school in the UK. A passing dog walker found the huge snake inside a box with a lid on in Withywood Park in south Bristol. Kristie, who volunteers at the park said the snake discovery was "probably the strangest thing we've ever seen in the park." According to Kirstie, the reptile was very cold and lethargic, which led her to believe the snake might have been dead when she first found it.

Upon lifting the boa's head, she realised it was still alive. "I wasn't worried about it being dangerous, it didn't have the energy to do any harm," she told the BBC.

"I understand people are struggling with the cost of living but I just wish people who are struggling to look after pets would reach out," she said, indicating that the boa might have been abandoned by its owner.

After calling Avon and Somerset Police who rescued the snake, the giant boa took a trip to the vet and was handed over to a reptile charity. Officers said the boa could have died if Kirstie had not rescued it when she did.

The huge snake discovery comes just weeks after another five-foot long boa constrictor was picked up after being spotted on a street in a UK town.

The reptile had reportedly been on the loose since July this year, yet was only discovered on September 22 after a passerby saw the boa while on the school run.

Laura Jolly Yan, 42, from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, was informed by a neighbour on her street that a snake was slithering up and down the road.

She said that her road is often busy with children and parents making their way to school. Luckily, her neighbour Skyla came to the rescue, and managed to usher the reptile into a cardboard box.

In the UK, there are an estimated 700,000 snakes which are kept as pets, according to the British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

The RSPCA recommends not approaching a snake if you come across one native to the UK, advising to contact the charity if it appears sick or injured.

For any snake which appears to be non-native to the UK, the RSPCA also suggests keeping your distance and immediately contacting the charity.