Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Friday, December 13, 2024 77° Today's Paper


Hawaii NewsTop News

5-foot-long boa constrictor found in Kunia

COURTESY HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

A five-foot-long boa constrictor sat in a cage after being turned over to state agriculture officials.

A farm worker turned in a five-foot-long boa constrictor to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture after he spotted it in Kunia Friday.

The agriculture department said the worker brought the snake to the department’s Plant Quarantine Office at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Saturday after he spotted it near bushes along Kunia Road.

He and his nephew captured it and contained in a trash can overnight.

The non-venomous snakes are native to Central and South America and can grow up to 12 feet in length. They prey on small mammals such as mice, rats and birds and their eggs, according to the agriculture department.

Large snakes pose a threat to Hawaii’s environment, the public and small pets.

Individuals who have illegal animals are encouraged to turn them in under the state’s amnesty program that provides immunity from prosecution.

Illegal animals may be turned in to any state agriculture department office, Honolulu Zoo or any humane society, no questions asked and no fines imposed.

Anyone with information on illegal animals are urged to call the PEST hotline at 643-PEST (7378).

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.