Escapee snake Charlie’s home – after slithering off for months

A LARGE snake found in a Welsh sewer has been reunited with its owner four months after escaping.

RSPCA Cymru was contacted after the Carolina corn snake was found by unsuspecting employees at the Dwr Cymru treatment works site in Caernarfon.

The snake was rescued by an RSPCA officer, with the assistance of staff at the treatment works, prompting a search for the owner.

Rebecca Wood, from Llanllyfni in Caernarfon, spotted the snake in a newspaper story and “knew immediately” it was Charlie, who had been missing from her home since July 14.

She said: “Charlie escaped on 14 July – but I always had a feeling she would come back.

“We’re unclear how she escaped, but after she got out, we found shampoo bottles knocked over all around our bathroom.

“As soon as I saw the newspaper article about Charlie being found, I was shaking – as soon as I saw the photo I knew immediately that our snake had been found. We’re just relieved to have Charlie home, who is now getting plenty of rest.”

RSPCA inspector Andrew Broadbent added: “This was a remarkable rescue, which has captured the imagination of so many. We’re so relieved to have been able to reunite Charlie with the owners after an incredible four months apart.”

Reptiles appear to have increased in popularity as pets and the number of related incidents dealt with by the RSPCA has gone up in recent years.

They are reliant on their owners to provide the correct environment. RSPCA Cymru has urged potential owners to look into what is required before taking one on.