Snakes shouldn't be allowed on Boardwalk

Mike Baker

September 11, 2026

Event Date:

Tue, 09/08/2026 - 11:51 am

A question: Is a large, live snake wrapped around a man's neck safe or appropriate for the general public walking around on a crowded boardwalk? What I witnessed at 6 p.m. on Labor Day evening right in front of Grotto Pizza on the most crowded area of the Boardwalk was very concerning to all of us who saw it.

No one was within 20 feet of that guy. Snakes are not service animals, nor are they emotional support animals when in public areas like a crowded boardwalk. They scare the young, the old and the handicapped. All of which I witnessed that evening.

After passing by, I approached a Rehoboth Beach police officer in a patrol car and informed him of the snake and how it was a problem for everyone else who was on the Boardwalk. His response: Unless the snake is attacking or a direct threat to others, there is nothing that can be done. That is absolutely ridiculous.

One inconsiderate son of a bitch is protected and hundreds of people are inconvenienced and expected to just tolerate it. What boardwalk rules/laws are actually enforced? I am a frequent Boardwalk walker at various times and days and I have never seen enforcement of posted in-season times for dog walkers, bike riders and, in this case, a live snake wrapped around a man's neck.

While Rehoboth Beach wants to charge the hell out of all of us to park for the privilege of coming to visit and use the Boardwalk, it should be the expectation of all who visit that Rehoboth Beach would enforce the very laws it has created.

Mike Baker
Lewes

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