VANISHING ACT
Pet snake found hiding in seatbelt hole of rental truck seven weeks after disappearing
SLEEKIT snake Mushu’s five months on the run in a hire van finally ended yesterday when she was found behind a seatbelt.
She was reunited with her owner Gavin Burnett after she gave him the slip during a house move.
But Mushu made a reappearance in Aberdeen on Thursday when a couple using the Hertz van spotted her slithering between the seats.
By the time a Scottish SPCA recovery team were called in, the scaly stowaway had vanished again.
The elusive corn snake was believed to be hiding behind panels in the back of the van.
The vehicle was towed to the SSPCA’s animal rescue and rehoming centre at Drumoak, near Banchory, where further attempts were made to lure Mushu out.
And yesterday afternoon, she popped out from behind a seatbelt.
Relieved owner Gavin Burnett said: “We had been in the process of moving to Glasgow back in June when she went missing.
“When we couldn’t find her, we stripped the van and put it back together about three times, then left bait and water to try to get her to come out.
“After about six days and no sign, we just assumed she had escaped from the van altogether.
“It was such a shock to find out she had been spotted in the van and we can’t wait to get her back home.”
Animal rescue officer Kyle McWhirr said: “Obviously finding a snake in a van can be a bit disturbing – but it’s not uncommon to find them in unusual places.
“Snakes are notorious escape artists.
“They’re clever and can figure out how to manipulate locks – so owners have to be careful to ensure vivariums are secure.
“This story thankfully has a happy ending.”
We assumed she’d escaped. It was a shock to find out she’d been spotted in the van OWNER GAVIN