of a Boa Constrictor snake last weekend.

Police seized the young snake -- thought to be around 12-inches long -- after it had been imported into Bermuda.

The reptile is now being held at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.

BAMZ director Jack Ward said last night the animal is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Number Two the second highest level of endangerment.

He said a decision would have to be made on what happens to the animal because Bermuda is wary of an illegally imported animal and what diseases it may carry.

"It is found in northern South America, it is a Colombian Boa Constrictor,'' Mr. Ward said.

"Yes, in the end there might be a chance that we (BAMZ) will keep it but in the past, such illegal animals, like snakes have been put down... There is an educational value to keeping it, but we have to be very careful with regard to the importation of snakes into Bermuda.'' In the wake of the discovery Government has ordered an amnesty for owners of illegal animal species to turn them in to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries without fear of being prosecuted.

The amnesty is scheduled to run for one month. People with illegally imported animals are advised to contact the Department at 236-4201.

A Government press release on the discovery said anyone found with illegal animals after the one month period to April 8 will be "prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law''.

Anyone with information about the importation of such animals like the Boa are asked to contact P.c. Christopher Taggett or P.c. Alan Gorbutt at 299-4584.

The press release explained that no animal, including reptiles and birds can be imported into Bermuda without a properly issued import permit.

"Illegal importation of such reptiles is a serious offence, as the presence of such a snake in Bermuda constitutes a serious environmental threat,'' the release continued. "In addition there is the danger of introducing diseases into the Island.

"This particular species of snake can be dangerous when fully mature and there are concerns over safety to the public. In the event that other snakes have been imported it is imperative they are recovered and safely secured.''