Snakes on a lane! Burnsville police rescue wayward boa from roadside

Drivers are well practiced in dodging potholes and road construction this year, but down in Burnsville Monday night, the road hazards took a new form: long, speckled green and slithering.

A motorist driving near McAndrews Road and Nicollet Avenue called to report a large snake crossing the road.

“The driver said he actually had to swerve out of the way to avoid hitting the snake,” said police spokesman Matt Smith.

The reptile made its way onto the road median, where Burnsville police officer Adam Medlicott answered the call and found the snake resting in what appeared to be the well manicured turf between traffic lanes.

Medlicott picked up the roughly 6-foot snake for a pose. The police initially thought it was a python, but Smith said reaction on Twitter indicated it was a red tail boa.

Reptiles Magazine says they can grow to be up to 13 feet in length and like to eat mice, rats and rabbits.

As is often the case, police turned to what they had on hand, and put the snake in the back seat of a police patrol car and drove it to police headquarters. A city animal control officer met them there and took the wayward boa into custody.

It’s the second time in recent days police have been called to handle snakes: Hastings authorities were called to deal with a giant bullsnake found in a bathtub.

Smith says animal control believes the Burnsville snake is a pet, as it seems to be comfortable being handled. They’re hoping the owner comes forward in coming days. If it’s yours, call Burnsville Animal Control at 952-894-3647.