Text chain about boa constrictor sighting leads to misunderstanding in Lexington

A report of a snake on the loose in Lexington this week turned out to be a misunderstanding triggered by a text message chain.

On Wednesday, Lexington police posted a photo of a boa constrictor on its Facebook page, noting that a resident had reported a snake sighting behind Lexington Center. The town’s animal control officer reached out to MassWildlife to assist with the situation and told the public that the reptile was likely a pet, but people should keep a distance, if spotted.

Early Thursday afternoon, police provided an update on their investigation, explaining that someone brought their pet snake to Lexington Center on Sunday and let people take photos of it.

Some young people shared a set of those photos, showing the boa constrictor on the ground, in a text chain, which led a concerned parent to mistakenly report that a snake was roaming free in town, police said.

Authorities confirmed that the pet owner took their snake with them when they left the scene Sunday.

“We would like to thank the community for its attention to the matter and sharing possible tips regarding the incident,” police added in posts to social media. “The owner of the snake has not been identified and is encouraged to contact the Lexington ACO.”

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A Lexington resident reportedly spotted a snake — likely a former or current pet — on the loose in town.

The person noticed the snake, identified as a boa constrictor, in the area behind the center where CVS is located at 1735 Massachusetts Ave., police said in Facebook post. They added that the reptile appeared “very docile” and likely either escaped its home or was released by its owner.

The town’s animal control officer reached out to MassWildlife on Wednesday. Experts from the agency planned to search the area Thursday with the goal of capturing the snake.

In the meantime, police noted on behalf of MassWildlife “that the snake does not pose a threat to anyone, however it should not be touched or approached.”

Additionally, any sightings of the reptile should be shared with Lexington police at 781-862-1212.

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