Missing boa constrictor causes concern among neighbors

Tuesday, July 31, 2018
EAST GREENVILLE, Pennsylvania -- Residents in one Pennsylvania town are a little bit on edge, and very much on the lookout.

Police in East Greenville say a seven-foot-long boa constrictor is on the loose.

No one seems to know where the huge snake has slithered off to, and everyone wants to avoid a surprise sighting.

The snake's name is Vinny. He is 10 years old and weighs 40 to 50 pounds.

"He could be in a tree, in a drainage pipe. We're still hoping he's in the house," the snake's owner said.

However, he hasn't been spotted in his East Greenville home for four weeks.

The owner has even searched the neighborhood park, where an event was canceled out of caution that Vinny might be slithering feet away from small children.

The East Greenville borough has residents on high alert after Vinny's owner reported him missing to police on Monday.

"Just knowing he can hide so well, under your shed, patio, deck. We can't go in people's backyards and search around," his owner said.

So far the search has proved fruitless, but Vinny's escape is all neighbors on the block are talking about.

"I just don't want it to squeeze me," said Kayleigh Shoop.

"It's kind of interesting, a little scary, but kind of fun," Yvonne Brown said.

"I don't understand why it's such a huge deal. It's not venomous," said Andrew Nundesser.

Vinny could be anywhere, so his owners and even police are advising anyone who sees him, not to touch or even approach him. Instead, just contact authorities.
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