Boa Constrictor Bites Man In Hyannis

HYANNIS, MA – A young man was bitten by a boa constrictor in the woods in Hyannis Monday, according to reports. Fire officials told NBC Boston the 20-year-old found the seven-foot snake near Hiramar Road and wanted to keep it as a pet. He was bitten while trying to pick it up.

Authorities believe the snake was eating something at the time of the encounter. The man later called police when his arm became swollen and was treated at Cape Cod Hospital, the Boston Globe reported.

Boa constrictors are not native to the area. Officials believe the snake, which was given to an animal control officer, may have been an escaped or abandoned pet.

Image via Shutterstock, not actual boa