Kingsnake’s reign of terror is over at last
REPTILE RECAPTURED AFTER MONTHS ON THE SLITHER
A RUNAWAY snake that has been terrorising a neighbourhood for months has finally been caught.
The reptile slithered into a family home in Cheetham Hill in the summer before making its escape.
It has now been caught after being spotted a few doors down.
The animal – a type of kingsnake – first appeared at a house on Leicester Road towards the end of the summer.
Hair-raising footage, taken on a mobile phone, shows the snake slowly creeping from behind a sofa.
RSCPA officers were called, but the creature disappeared under the floorboards.
On Monday night the snake resurfaced – this time in the kitchen of a neighbour.
Before it could get away, Laqwender Singh managed to use a wooden pole to get it into a glass vase, where it stayed until the RSPCA arrived.
Mr Singh, 33, said he was worried about his wife and twoyear-old daughter, so decided to take matters into his own hands. The animal, RSCPA bosses said, is a kingsnake, which are not venomous to humans. Animal collection officer Heather Cook took the reptile into care. She said she recognised it immediately from the callout several weeks ago.
She said: “I tried to rescue this snake after it showed up in a house a couple of doors down a few weeks ago, but despite my best efforts – and those of the tenant – it managed to get away, slithering off down a hole and under the floorboards before we could stop it.
“It’s now in RSPCA care and we are keen to hear from anyone who thinks the snake belongs to them.”
Kingsnakes earned their name because of how they prey on and eat other, often venomous, snakes.
They are among the most popular snakes to keep as pets.
Anyone who thinks the snake belongs to them can call 0300 123 8018 and ask to leave a message for ACO Cook.
It managed to get away, slithering off down a hole and under the floorboards Animal collection officer Heather Cook