Five-foot python on loose proves a slippery customer
HUNT IS ON FOR A ‘NOSY’ SNAKE WHO ESCAPED FROM BOX IN HER OWNER’S HOME
A PREGNANT snake is on the loose in Wythenshawe.
Cordelia is a 4.5ft ball python. She is described as ‘placid and nosy.’
Her owner is desperate for her safe return.
The woman, who asked to be named only as Tracey, was out searching in Baguley all night on Bank Holiday Sunday and last night after Cordelia’s sudden disappearance.
Despite help from neighbours, the snake is still missing.
And with two main roads – Floatshall Road and Hall Lane – Tracey fears for Cordelia.
Tracey, a carer who bought Cordeila two months ago from a seller in Macclesfield, told the M.E.N: “I’m so worried, I don’t know what to do.
“We are almost certain that Cordelia is pregnant although we can’t confirm until she reaches 30 days.
“There’s the traffic, and what if dogs get to her?
“Then, because of the weather, people are out doing their gardens. Strimmers and lawn mowers are a risk.
“I just hope someone with a heart finds her and gives her back.”
The ball python – also known as a royal python – hails from sub-Saharan Africa, so the current heatwave could mean Cordelia is in her element.
She is likely to have found a dark place to hide, such as a hole in a tree or some long grass.
The ball python, which gets its name from the shape it makes when threatened, is typically small in size and has a docile temperament, making them popular in the pet trade.
Cordelia, who feeds on mice, is one of two snakes of the same species kept by Tracey.
She was in a large plastic box – known as a rub – but Tracey thinks she may have failed to close it completely on Sunday night.
“I nipped out and when I got back she was gone,” she added.
“I went out looking for her straight away and everybody has been really, really helpful.” Cordelia was last fed on Friday night so Tracey says it is unlikely she’ll be hungry. She also owns a dog and insists Cordelia is not a threat to pets. She added: “I got over my fear of snakes because my son kept a lot of reptiles. When I saw Cordelia I just fell in love with her. In the day she just roams around my flat.
“They are very intelligent creatures – which is what makes them good escapists as well.
“People have suggested Cordelia could still be in the flat somewhere but I think she’ll have gone for a wander round.”
If you see Cordelia, call the M.E.N. on 0161 211 2471 or email newsdesk@ men-media.co.uk.
They are very intelligent creatures, which makes them good escapists Tracey, Cordelia’s owner