Wolf snake on a patio is likely to be escaped pet
A DOG walker stumbled upon a stray snake snoozing on a Hull patio.
The 18in-long reptile was found at the front of a home in Hessle.
The dog walker and his wife managed to contain it in a plastic box before discovering the short flat-headed wolf snake was not native.
This prompted a call to the RSPCA, which retrieved the snake and says it is likely to have been a stray pet.
The animal charity has issued an appeal for information to find its owner.
RSPCA Inspector Natalie Hill said: “An eagle-eyed dog-walker spotted the dark snake against the light background of a patio at the front of a home in Hessle and was able to contain it in a plastic box.
“When he and his wife did some research, they realised this was not a native snake, so they called the RSPCA for help.
“This poor little snake is most likely a stray pet - snakes are excellent escape artists, so if anyone has any information, we would appreciate it if they could call us on the RSPCA Appeals Line on 0300 123 8018.
“This homeless animal is currently living with a specialist foster carer, and if we cannot find its owner, it will be rehomed.”
Many of the snakes the RSPCA’S officers are called to collect are thought to be escaped pets.
The animal charity always recommends owners to invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and that the enclosure is kept secure (and locked if necessary) when unattended.
It is also possible to microchip snakes and the RSPCA recommends owners to ask their exotics vet to do this.
The RSPCA advises anyone who finds a snake they believe is non-native to keep a safe distance, monitor the snake and to contact the charity for advice by calling 0300 1234 999.