Two boa constrictors, each measuring up to 3 metres in length, were discovered at Blackwell Grange Golf Club in Darlington, County Durham, within a week of each other. 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. The second was located near the rough of the course on 20 June.
Discovery and Response
Aaron Cox, 40, who was conducting the lesson, used his golf club to move the first boa away from the playing area and placed it in a box. He repeated the procedure for the second snake. Cox took both animals to a nearby reptile shop, but they later died due to being "riddled with disease," according to him.
Unusual Occurrence
Cox, originally from Australia and living in the UK for eight years, noted that while adders are occasionally seen around the course, large snakes like boas are unprecedented in this region. "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.
Background on Boa Constrictors
Boas are native to South America and can exceed 3 metres in length. They are non-venomous and generally not considered dangerous to humans, as they prefer smaller prey. However, they are popular pets that can live over 30 years and require substantial food and care, leading some owners to abandon them.
Possible Abandonment
Cox believes the snakes were deliberately left on the course because their owner could not maintain them. "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 sadness 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," Cox added. "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 Involvement
The RSPCA expressed concern about the abandonment and requested that anyone with "first-hand information that shows these reptiles have been deliberately abandoned" contact the charity to assist in identifying the responsible party.
