Abandoned Boa Constrictor Rescued from Bristol Park

A boa constrictor was recently discovered in Withywood Park, located near a primary school in south Bristol. On 2025-10-17, a passing dog walker came across the reptile, which was found alive inside a lidded box.

The park volunteer who responded to the incident, Kirstie, stated that while she is accustomed to rescuing dogs, the snake was "probably the strangest thing we've ever seen in the park." Kirstie added that the boa was very cold and lethargic when she first encountered it, and she initially thought the snake might have been dead.

However, the reptile soon lifted its head, and Kirstie realized it was still alive. She explained that she was not worried about the snake being dangerous, as it "didn't have the energy to do any harm."

Kirstie believes the boa constrictor was abandoned in the park. She expressed understanding for people struggling with the cost of living, but urged those who are unable to care for their pets to reach out for help rather than abandoning them.

Avon and Somerset Police rescued the boa and handed it over to a reptile charity after a trip to the vet. The authorities stated that the snake could have died if it had been left in the box any longer.

This incident comes just weeks after a five-foot-long boa constrictor was found slithering down a residential street in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, on 2025-09-22. The snake had been on the loose since July and was eventually recovered by a concerned neighbor.