Police in Nottinghamshire recently captured a 4-foot boa constrictor that was found hiding under the bonnet of a parked car in Sherwood. The large South American snake was spotted by a local resident moving down a driveway, prompting officers to respond to the unusual call.

Upon arrival, officers Pc Dan Howard and Sgt Joanna Stanbridge discovered the snake coiled beneath the vehicle’s hood. With no specialized equipment at hand, they improvised a snake hook by taping a wire coat hanger to a police baton. Using this makeshift tool, Pc Howard carefully coaxed the boa constrictor out of its hiding place and placed it into a bag for safe transport. The snake was then taken to a veterinarian while authorities continue efforts to identify and contact its owner.

Ch Insp Paul Hennessy of Nottinghamshire Police commented on the incident, noting the diverse range of situations officers may face during their shifts. He praised the quick thinking and resourcefulness demonstrated by the officers involved, highlighting their successful retrieval of the snake from the car’s engine compartment.

This case is not isolated in the region, as a similar incident involving abandoned boas occurred in nearby County Durham earlier this year. In June, two 6-foot boa constrictors were discovered within a week at Blackwell Grange Golf Club in Darlington. The first snake was found by a 13-year-old girl who encountered the reptile while retrieving a golf ball from the rough. Aaron Cox, an Australian professional golfer who conducts training at the club, secured the snake with assistance from a colleague before it was transported to a specialist pet shop.

Experts expressed concern that the two snakes may have been released deliberately by a former owner. There are fears that more could be present in the area, possibly due to breeding in the wild. The incidents highlight ongoing challenges related to the abandonment of exotic pets and the risks posed when such animals are released into non-native environments.