Boa Constrictor Rescued from Busy Pennsylvania Street

Raven Ridge Wildlife Center called in to help after snake spotted in the middle of the road

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A three-foot-long boa constrictor was rescued from a busy street in Columbia, Pennsylvania, after being spotted by local police. The Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, which does not typically handle exotic animals, stepped in to safely remove the snake and transfer it to the Forgotten Friends Reptile Sanctuary for care and to locate the owner.

Why it matters

The discovery of an exotic snake like a boa constrictor in the middle of a busy street raises concerns about animal welfare and public safety. Raven Ridge's decision to intervene highlights the important role wildlife rescue centers play in responding to unexpected situations and ensuring the wellbeing of all creatures, even those outside their normal scope of operations.

The details

According to reports, the Columbia Police Department contacted Raven Ridge Wildlife Center for assistance after spotting the boa constrictor in the middle of a busy street. While waiting for the wildlife rehabilitators to arrive, the police were able to safely contain the snake by covering it with a garbage can secured with a brick. Raven Ridge then transported the snake to their facility, but since they do not typically handle exotic pets, they coordinated with the Forgotten Friends Reptile Sanctuary to provide the boa constrictor with proper care and to try to locate its owner.

  • On September 15, 2025, the Columbia Police Department received a call about a boa constrictor in the middle of a busy street.
  • Raven Ridge Wildlife Center was contacted to assist with the rescue of the snake.

The players

Raven Ridge Wildlife Center

A wildlife rescue organization in Pennsylvania that typically does not handle exotic animals like boa constrictors, but stepped in to safely remove the snake from the busy street and transfer it to a more appropriate facility.

Forgotten Friends Reptile Sanctuary

A reptile rescue organization that assisted Raven Ridge in providing care for the boa constrictor and attempting to locate its owner.

Columbia Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that initially responded to the scene and contained the boa constrictor until wildlife rehabilitators could arrive.

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What’s next

Raven Ridge Wildlife Center and the Forgotten Friends Reptile Sanctuary are working to locate the owner of the boa constrictor and determine if the snake escaped or was released into the wild. They are also providing tips to the public on how to safely rehome exotic pets if owners can no longer care for them.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the important role that wildlife rescue organizations play in responding to unexpected situations and ensuring the wellbeing of all creatures, even those outside their normal scope of operations. It also serves as a reminder of the risks posed by releasing exotic pets into the wild, and the need for responsible pet ownership and rehoming practices.