A 7-foot ‘wowla’ caught running wild in the urban jungle of Belize City created quite a stir in a downtown backyard this afternoon.
The rare, 50-pound black boa constrictor was found in the yard of Victor Usher Jr. on Regent Street. Usher called out the 7NEWS team and then the Audubon Society who brought the Snakeman himself Reynaldo Smith to tame the wild snake. Smitty says the snake meant no harm.
Reynaldo Smith, Snakeman
“These keep away vermin, rats and stuff like that. Normally if you find one of them in your yard you won’t find much rats around. The rats either go over to the next side or he will finish them. And normally these are afraid of humans. Whenever they hear steps they try to hide. You can get bite with this and if you rub a little alcohol on the bite, it will heal right up. I have gotten so much bites from them that it doesn’t even bother me again.”
KS: So he meant no harm?
Reynaldo Smith,
“No. This normally keeps your yard or your house free from vermin. They are not really danger to people. They are afraid of people most of all.”
Victor Usher Jr., Found Snake in Yard
“I was concerned because I have pets and then myself and other people were working in the yard. I am glad that Audubon Society was able to get Smitty to come and take the animal out of the yard without it being killed or harmed significantly.”
Smitty says he will nurse the snake back to health. He adds to don't try this at home and if you do come across a snake, call competent authorities.