Large pet snake returned to San Carlos Park family

Published:

FORT MYERS, Fla. – More than two months after her disappearance, Sheila the snake has been found and returned to her San Carlos Park home, deputies said Wednesday.

The lost pet created a frenzy for many nearby residents who feared for the safety of their own animals, even though boa constrictors like Sheila are not venomous, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

Amber Petaccio, the owner of the escaped boa, said on Sept. 23 that she forgot to close the bottom lock on Sheila’s cage. She made a public plea asking people to not hurt her snake.

“People said they were going to hurt her,” Petaccio said. “If anyone’s going to take her out, please make it quick, that’s all I ask. Don’t beat her. She’s not going to hurt anybody.”

Sheila is not required to be caged, FWC said.

She was returned to her San Carlos Park home to her family’s excitement, according to a Lee County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.