Boa constrictor loose in Sylvania: experts urge caution

A South American red-tailed boa constrictor spotted near a boat ramp has sparked a frenzy among local residents in Sydney’s south – with experts urging caution about the “powerful” reptile.

The boa constrictor was seen under Tom Ugly’s Bridge in Sylvania. Picture: Facebook

A South American red-tailed boa constrictor spotted near a boat ramp has sparked a frenzy among local residents and ecologists in Sydney’s south.

The snake was filmed under Tom Ugly’s Bridge in Sylvania on Friday with footage uploaded to a community Facebook page.

The species is typically found in areas of Brazil and it is believed that the snake was either an escaped pet, or intentionally released.

Wild Conservation principal ecologist Kane Durrant, said the boa constrictor was likely either smuggled into the country or descended from animals brought in decades ago before import restrictions were tightened.

“These types of reptiles are illegal to own in Australia,” Mr Durrant said.

Tom Ugly’s Bridge in Sylvania in Sydney's south.

“It’s likely someone kept it in a private collection and either let it go because it got too big or were scared they’d get into trouble.

“Otherwise, it may have escaped.”

The boa constrictor was seen under Tom Ugly’s Bridge. Picture: Facebook

While the young boas are typically around 30 to 40cm long and easily housed in tanks, they grow rapidly and can become powerful.

“They’re strong. This one looks to be around 6ft. They can push lids open and open doors,” Mr Durrant explained.

“What we’re seeing now is likely the result of an escape – or a deliberate release.”

While the immediate threat to the public is low, Mr Durrant stressed the broader implications for Australia native ecosystems.

“This is a tropical species that needs a tropical, humid environment to survive. It’s getting colder now, so it could get pneumonia, it’ll suffer a slow death,” he said.

Kane Durrant from Wild Conservation. (AAP IMAGE / Carmela Roche)

Mr Durrant also flagged the potential biosecurity risks for Australia’s native ecology.

“If this snake was smuggled, it could be carrying parasites or bacteria that might spread to our native wildlife. That’s how viruses mutate, and in worst-case scenarios, it can lead to total extinctions,” Mr Durrant continued.

“It’s not warm enough for the animal to eat, it will likely just try to hide.”

Authorities are urging anyone who spots the snake not to approach it but to report it immediately to the local wildlife or biosecurity office.

A source with knowledge of the whereabouts of the snake stated that “there’s a concern about the general public looking for the snake now that it’s had so much media attention”.

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