A SNAKE was found in the back garden of a home in Warrington.
The reptile was spotted by a Great Sankey resident as it was making its way through the grass.
“I was shocked, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” the resident said.
“It was around two metres long and it was just making its way through the garden.”
The RSPCA were contacted, as well as local vets who advised putting the snake inside of a pillow case and bringing it in for inspection.
However it had soon disappeared from the garden.
The Warrington Guardian contacted the RSPCA about the snake and the charity believes it was a pet corn snake – which they said are ‘harmless’.
A spokesperson said: “Pet snakes are excellent escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid to make a break for it.
“They become more active during hot weather, so we would urge all pet snake owners to be extra vigilant at this time of year, invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and make sure that enclosure is kept secure – and locked if necessary – when unattended.
“Although we have limited details, it’s also possible this reptile, which we believe to be a harmless corn snake, may have been deliberately abandoned or released on purpose.”
The RSPCA has advised anyone who sees a stray exotic snake to keep a safe distance, monitor the situation, and to contact a local reptile specialist or its helpline on 0300 1234 999.
A spokesperson added: “As we receive a call for help approximately every 30 seconds during the summer months, our officers have to prioritise urgent cases of animal cruelty and neglect, so we may recommend other organisations who may be able to help if the snake is not sick or injured.”