Two boa constrictors, each measuring up to 3 metres long, have been discovered at Blackwell Grange golf club in Darlington, County Durham, within one week. The first snake was found on 13 June during a children's golf lesson when a 12-year-old girl's shot landed directly on the reptile.
Discovery and response
Aaron Cox, 40, who was conducting the lesson, used his golf club to move the boa away from the course before placing it in a box. He repeated the process when the second boa was found near the rough on 20 June. Cox took both snakes to a nearby reptile shop, but they died shortly after due to being "riddled with disease," according to Cox.
Unusual hazard
Cox, who moved from Australia eight years ago, said he was accustomed to snakes in his native country and noted that adders are occasionally seen around the course. However, large snakes like boas had never been encountered in this part of England. "I've been over here for what, six, seven summers, and not once has it ever happened. And now we've seen two in a week, and now there's three more just down in North Yorkshire," he said.
About boa constrictors
Boas are native to South America and can exceed 3 metres in length. Despite their size, they are generally not considered dangerous to humans as they are non-venomous and rarely attack people, preferring smaller prey. They are popular pets but can live for over 30 years and require substantial food and care, leading some owners to abandon them.
Abandonment concerns
Cox believes the snakes were deliberately left on the course. "Because they can't look after them, the food bill started getting too big and they were unwell, so instead of probably taking them to the RSPCA or to a pet shop or to a vet they've just dumped them and let them die," he said. He expressed upset over their mistreatment and urged potential pet owners to consider their ability to care for such animals. "It's a shame and a bit of a cruel act by whoever did it. I just hope they think about it twice before they do it again, or people that have pet snakes, think twice about what they do with them if they can't look after them."
RSPCA investigation
The RSPCA expressed concern about the snakes being left on the course and requested anyone with "first-hand information that shows these reptiles have been deliberately abandoned" to contact the charity to help identify the responsible party.
