6-foot-long boa constrictor found in Big Isle home

The state Department of Agriculture confirmed it has a snake in custody that was picked up Sunday from the Big Island.

Agriculture department spokeswoman Janelle Saneishi said authorities are still investigating the matter at this time, and no further information is available.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported that animal control officers picked up the 6-foot-long snake at a home in Keaau and that it is a boa constrictor.

Snakes are illegal in Hawaii, where they have no natural predators and pose a serious threat to the environment and endangered native birds, according to the agriculture department.

Persons possessing illegal animals may be charged with a class C felony and be subject to fines up to $200,000 and three years in prison.

The state’s amnesty program, however, allows individuals who have illegal animals to voluntarily turn them in at the Honolulu Zoo, any DOA office or any Humane Society, with no questions asked and no fines.

To report illegal animals, call the state’s toll-free hotline at 643-PEST (7378).