CARY, N.C. (WNCN) — A slithery friend surprised workers and diners at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Cary.
Over the weekend, Talena Chavis, operator of NC Snake Catcher, said a boa constrictor was found sitting just under the pickup window of a Cary McDonald’s, prompting lots of screams from restaurant employees.
Chavis got the call to pick up what was described as a python but when she arrived, she found a much bigger snake. A couple was able to place the snake in a box until Chavis arrived. She said this move saved the snake from potentially being run over or attacked by another animal.
Chavis says no owner has come forward to claim the snake so she’s now working to rehome it.
Based on the snake’s health and good body condition, Chavis doesn’t believe the snake spent very much time outside or that it was dumped. Her leading theory is that it may have accidentally gotten out of someone’s car, potentially someone leaving a recent reptile show.
For people interested in this kind of animal as a pet, Chavis recommends really thinking thoroughly about your decision.
“Try to make sure it’s okay to have a snake of this size in your county, because I know Raleigh has different legislation. After that, keeping somebody like this, containment obviously, a large enough space, a secure enough space,” said Chavis.
The boa constrictor is likely between the ages of 3 and 5 and is expected to get up to eight feet long by the time it is fully grown.
It is currently in quarantine until it goes to a new home
While this is the first boa constrictor the Chavis has come across during a rescue, it is the busy season, so she expects to be called to a number of other snake rescue calls over the coming weeks.