Rosie came to town

Lake Los Angeles – On Saturday, October 22, 2022, Rosie, who is a Rosy Boa Constrictor snake came with Heather Driscoll to meet the families of Lake Los Angeles. She is under the care of Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, - Natural Areas Division where she thrives and is among friends. Rosie is estimated to be 15 years old and could live to be 30 years old.

Rosie was a pet before she became a ward of the County. Her best bet for survival is with Parks & Recreation as she has never been in the wild and on her own. Heather Driscoll brought her to LLA today. Rosie needs socialization and places to move and explore. She travels in her own carrying box but not in it very long.

Rosy Boas do not have venom that is dangerous to most humans. They are not dangerous as they are non-poisonous. Rosy boas are thick-bodied slow-moving snakes of deserts and rocky shrublands in southern California. They are most often active at night, and in the evening. They have tiny sharp teeth and 3 distinctive lines down their backs. They can also vary in coloration.

Rosy boas are commonly found crossing roads at night or underneath rocks in late winter and spring. If you see one, please help it safely cross the road!

Recently, two species have been identified. The only way to tell them apart is by range. The Rosy Boa occurs only in extreme southwestern San Diego County. Traditionally, two subspecies occur in California - the Coastal Rosy Boa and the Desert Rosy Boa.

Heather and Olivia will be partaking in the Trunk or Treat event at the park in Lake Los Angeles. It will be a surprise who they bring with them in the morning when LLA families will be treated to another Nature Center Discovery program. Starting at 10:00am.

By Shirley Harriman