Parents and pet owners alike throughout the Quincy area are breathing a sigh of relief.

As we first reported yesterday on www.connecttristates.com, the eight foot boa constrictor that's been on the loose was caught.

It was found about two houses down from where it originally escaped.

But just because the animal is off the streets doesn't mean the situation is over.

KHQA spoke with the police chief today about the next chapter in this snake tale.

Here it is. The eight foot boa constrictor is now in the custody of the City of Quincy.

"It'll stay there until the final disposition has been determined. If the owner wants the snake back, he'll have to wait for the ordinance violation charges to be disposed," says Police Chief Rob Copley.

Once that happens, the owner can apply for a permit to keep the snake in the city limits. You recall if a snake is more than six feet long, a permit is required. The owner of this snake did not have that permit. It's also law that if a snake escapes, the police have to be told immediately, something else the owner didn't do. If the owner does apply for the permit, it's up to the police chief to decide whether it's issued. Chief Copley tells KHQA, he's talking to the city legal council, but at this time has formed no opinion as to how he'll rule. He did tell us he will take into consideration that the owner didn't have a permit and didn't inform police of the escape. If the owner doesn't want the snake back, it'll be handed over to Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and will most likely end up in a zoo. Chief Copley saw the snake shortly after it was captured. He says the snake wasn't too happy.

"It's demeanor was not the calm, lethargic demeanor you often see when you look at one through the glass. Consider what it's been through. It's been on the loose for a couple of weeks. It's hungry and it's put into a cage in a truck," says Copley.

Copley says he and Animal Control aren't surprised the snake didn't travel far from home. He also says he's a little upset that the snake was missing for three weeks. He says he never had a fear of it eating a small child, but if someone cornered it or provoked it, the snake could've done some damage. He says that's the main reason people need permits for this type of animal. He's just glad it's off the streets and out of harm's way.

Chief Copley says while all the legalities are straightened out, the owner of the snake is financially responsible for the animal's caretaking.