Sharla Miller’s leisurely jog along the Portland Lehigh Trail took an unexpected turn Sunday afternoon.
Miller was taking her usual route along the trail, where it passes under the Elm Creek Bridge, when she saw a coiled snake just off the path.
A big one.
Miller didn’t stick around to see just how active — or mammoth — the brightly colored boa constricter actually was.
She just knew it was big.
“I set a personal record after seeing that snake,” she chuckled.
On her return past the snake a second time, Miller realized the serpent was dead.
Somebody had uncoiled the snake to get a better grasp of its length: 15 feet, 8 inches, according to the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, which was called to investigate.
Deputies aren’t certain if the snake was dead and dumped on the trail.
They suspect the boa had recently eaten, leading them to speculate the animal was alive when it was left.
They’d like to find out the truth.
Anybody with information is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Department at 365-1400.
A ssssssssslithery surprise
