1 Dec, 2023 @ 11:19
1 min read

Panic as deadly boa constrictor is seen roaming the streets of Spain’s Costa Blanca

A HUGE boa constrictor has terrorised Alicante citizens after it escaped from a balcony this week. 

After alerting the Guardia Civil, the two metre long snake was collected by Elche’s Nature Protection Services (Sepra).

The serpent was given to Terra Natura Zoo in Benidorm to take care of until a better home can be found. 

The snake is now on display at Terra Natura zoo. Photo: Guardia Civil

Under Spain’s recent animal protection act, it is illegal to keep the species as a pet.

It is believed the snake escaped from a balcony and hid in a park in La Florida, Alicante until authorities could identify its exact location. 

According to the Guardia Civil, this kind of snake can reach up to five metres long and is known for killing its prey by strangulation. 

Terra Natura vets have carried out tests to verify the health of the animal, as well as chipping the snake so that it can be identified in future. 

David Marti, head of amphibian study at the zoo said: “These animals are complex to care for, so they should not be kept in homes as if they were pets.”

David Marti holding the snake. Photo: Guardia Civil

Located in the Pangea Volcano area, visitors can now see the snake on display. 

The Guardia Civil has reminded the public that keeping these animals is an offence and could have serious consequences for the safety of other citizens.

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Yzabelle Bostyn

Yzabelle Bostyn is an NCTJ trained journalist who started her journalistic career at the Olive Press in 2023.
Before moving to Spain, she studied for a BA in English Literature and Hispanic Studies at the University of Sheffield.
After graduating she moved to the university’s journalism department, one of the best in the UK.
Throughout the past few years, she has taken on many roles including social media marketing, copywriting and radio presenting.
She then took a year out to travel Latin America, scaling volcanoes in Guatemala and swimming with sharks in Belize.
Then, she came to the Olive Press last year where she has honed her travel writing skills and reported on many fantastic experiences such as the Al Andalus luxury train.
She has also undertaken many investigations, looking into complex issues like Spain’s rental crisis and rising cancer rates.
Always willing to help, she has exposed many frauds and scams, working alongside victims to achieve justice.
She is most proud of her work on Nolotil, a drug linked to the deaths of many Brits in Spain.
A campaign launched by Yzabelle has received considerable support and her coverage has been by the UK and Spanish media alike.
Her writing has featured on many UK news outlets from the Sun to the Mail Online, who contracted her to report for them in Tenerife on growing tourism issues.
Recently, she has appeared on Times Radio covering deadly flooding in Valencia.

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