6-foot snake surprises mourners at Pa. cemetery

HERSHEY, Pa. (AP) - May 9, 2011 (WPVI) -- Animal welfare authorities are trying to find the owner of a large snake that interrupted a memorial service in a central Pennsylvania cemetery.

Mourners attending the service at Hershey Cemetery in Dauphin County spotted the 6-foot-long boa constrictor on Friday and called for help.

The Columbian red-tail was captured by ZooAmerica and turned over to Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, where president Jesse Rothacker said officials are seeking the owner or someone who would like to adopt the reptile.

Derry Township police are trying to find out whether the snake wound up in the cemetery by accident or on purpose. Rothacker said a deliberate release could mean animal cruelty and other charges, but a pet that slithered away on its own would be reunited with its owner without charges.

Get more Animals »

hershey, pennsylvania, wildlife preservation, animals

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•