Multi-Snake Owner Relinquishes Pets

VILLAS – The recent commotion and concern created by a fugitive red-tailed boa snake, seen in the area of Arbor Road and Birch Avenue, reared its head once again Aug. 25. According to a press release from Lower Township, Shore Animal Control Services informed officials, “the owner of the infamous escaped boa has decided to relinquish his other three boa snakes to the care of the Cape May County Zoo.”
Linda Gentile, public information officer for Shore Animal Services, said they received complaints of a large snake in the area of New York Avenue in Villas on the last two Sundays (several blocks north of Arbor). Both times, Animal Control responded and recaptured the red-tailed boa and returned it to the unnamed owner.
Based on recent snake sightings that have residents on edge, Lower Township police were notified and responded to the owner’s residence. Police managed to convince the owner that the snake problem is beyond the owner’s capability to manage and the resident agreed to relinquish the snakes to the Cape May County Zoo.
This action was designed to protect the public as well as the snakes.
“These are highly unusual circumstances,” Gentile said. Although she acknowledged that the original snake from the Arbor Road area was still on the loose, she expressed hope that there are no more snakes or other exotic animals being kept as pets in this area.
Zoo Director Ed Runyon explained that the Villas resident in question had a total of three snakes relinquished to the zoo. He stated that the owner told police he has no additional snakes on his property.
He identified the snakes as one red-tailed boa constrictor, approximately four feet long, and another of the same species approximately three feet long. He stated that they are indigenous to South America and pose little to no threat to humans and most pets.
The third snake is a relatively rare albino corn snake. He indicated that a permit is required to own a corn snake, but that surprisingly, no permits are required for the boas.
When the snakes arrived at the zoo, officials contacted Steve Serwatka to take permanent custody of the snakes as the zoo does not currently have room for them. Serwatka, a naturalist, is a former science teacher and part-time veterinary assistant who cares for unwanted animals and uses them for educational purposes during presentations to children at schools and libraries.
Runyon said it is unlikely that the snake observed in the southern area of Villas in early August is the same as either of the boas relinquished because boas rarely travel long distances from their familiar surroundings and food sources.
He repeated that residents need not fear either of these species of snake because of their smallish size and natural shyness, but understands that residents will and should remain vigilant.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.
For previous coverage, go to:
– Villas Snake Identified as a Red-Tailed Boa; Owner Found; Snake Still Loose: http://goo.gl/aJquLe.
– 10 to 12 Foot Long Snake At Large in Lower Township Neighborhood: http://goo.gl/Z5JFw8.