On March 19, 2019 Saanich Police received a report from a resident in the 3200 block of Linwood Avenue, that a large, pale yellow snake has been in and around his property for several months. The snake was first seen around Christmas time, with the resident seeing it a few more times since then. Each sighting has been either late at night or in the very early morning hours when it is still dark out.
Based on the description of the snake, it is possibly an exotic species that had been kept as a pet. It may have been intentionally released by its owner who no longer wanted it or it may have inadvertently escaped, although we have had no reports of a missing snake.
The BC Wildlife Act regulates what they classify as Controlled Alien Species, and requires anyone wanting to possess one of these species to obtain a permit first. Some species of snakes are on this list and BC Fish and Wildlife Branch are being contacted by the Saanich Pound to inquire if anyone in that area holds such a permit.
As of today, we have received no other reports from anyone seeing this snake nor have we or the Saanich Pound be able to locate it.  If you do see it, please call us right away. And if it is safe to do so, take a picture of it and keep it in sight until police arrive.
19-6735