PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Officials say a 4-foot-long boa constrictor has gotten loose on a Philadelphia bus, leading to an emergency evacuation.
Transit authority officials say a man carrying a boa constrictor boarded the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority bus just before 3 p.m. Sunday.
The snake’s owner, 26-year-old Koron Riley, tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that he had the snake draped around his neck and hidden under his jacket.
The bus had to be evacuated after the snake somehow got loose and coiled itself under a seat. A SEPTA mechanic was able to dismantle the seat, allowing a transit police officer to retrieve the snake and return it to Riley.
SEPTA policy allows riders to bring service animals or small, contained pets onto trains or buses.
Police haven’t decided if charges will be filed.
pancho villadeltren says
Definitely charge the snake. How dare it cause panic? Maybe take away the snakes bus pass for 6 months, until he/she has learned.
Wendy says
Four feet is a “BIG” snake?
Then what do they call a 20-footer? four feet is an incredibly AVERAGE size for a snake. (Maybe even a little small)
Seriously exaggerated title, and reaction. Only real question is whether stuffing it under his jacket counts as “contained.”
Justin Wachin says
Once again I’m glad I live where public transportation isn’t necessary.
Patty B says
I’ve never known a snake to be considered a “service” animal, and his snake was neither small, nor contained obviously. So I don’t know why they wouldn’t charge the idiot for bringing the snake on the bus. Some people have serious phobias about snakes, my late mother was such a person. She would have gone into cardiac arrest I’m sure if she had been on that bus. What was he doing with it on the bus, taking it for a JOY RIDE???
MARY English says
things like these are not things to be dealt with so casually