Back in 2015, Gold Coast police were called out to The Esplanade at Surfers Paradise following reports of a large snake spotted at the base of a tree.

Initially, the two-metre long snake was believed to be a harmless python, and was released by officers into bushland at the Southport Spit.

However, Biosecurity Queensland officers later identified the snake as a South American boa constrictor – a large predatory snake that can pose a threat to cats and dogs and other small animals. Boa constrictors are considered to be an invasive and prohibited animal in Queensland, and are illegal to keep as pets.

It is thought that the snake was illegally imported as a pet, then released by its owner when it grew too large.

This discovery sparked a manhunt to capture and euthanise the snake, with a team of twelve Gold Coast City Council and State Government officers searching the heavily vegetated area for the snake. A thermal imager was even used in the hope of finding the snake.

However, their efforts searching the area were unsuccessful, and the search was called off around a week later.

Given boa constrictors live for around 25 – 30 years, there’s a good chance this one could still be out there somewhere!