WATCH: Forestry Official Condemns Stoning Of Mating Boas

Assistant Chief Forest Officer Pius Haynes has condemned the stoning of a group of boa constrictors in a viral video on social media this week. The Agriculture Ministry official explained that the snakes were mating and seeing people ill-treating the non-venomous species was disturbing. Although the time and place of the incident were unclear, Haynes told St. Lucia Times that usually, Saint Lucia boas mate from December to early January when typically five or six males surround a single female, which is larger. The snakes are protected fully under the Saint Lucia Wildlife Protection Act. “It is unacceptable for members of the public to be indiscriminately killing those boas, throwing rocks at them,” Haynes explained. He also noted it is an offence to treat protected wildlife in such a manner, which could result in fines of up to $5000. The Assistant Chief Forest Officer urged people to desist from such irresponsible and reckless activities and contact the Forestry Department if they encounter snakes. “We will come in, rescue the boas and relocate them, but we will not tolerate people indiscriminately hurting and killing boas, especially at this time of year when they are mating,” Haynes told St. Lucia Times. He...