A certain snake was found in Taney County, but it should never have been there in the first place.
It was a red-tailed boa, and Missouri Department of Conservation officials believe the reptile was a former pet someone had released into the wild.
The red-tailed boa constrictor is a large rainforest snake that can be found in Central and South America. They are non-venomous and kill their prey via constriction.
The snake was found slithering around the Drury Mincy Conservation Area near Kirbyville. Due to near-freezing temperatures, it was suffering and near death.
Although the snake was rescued, taken to a wildlife rehabber near Cassville and is now doing well, this incident serves as a reminder that people should never release animals into the wild.