Animal specialists in North Lincolnshire have successfully rehomed four exotic snakes following their rescue, ensuring they now receive adequate care in heated enclosures. The reticulated pythons, non-venomous snakes notable for their impressive lengths of up to 18ft, were discovered after being abandoned in the Twigmoor and Cleatham regions.
Rob Stokes, head of RSG Reptiles based near Alford, has voiced worry over a potential fifth python still on the loose. He is urging local residents to stay alert and to notify the authorities if the snake is sighted.
“We’re simply requesting locals to be observant, manage their pets closely and report to the police immediately if they locate it,” Mr Stokes recommended. He and his family, in collaboration with the Humberside Police, were put in charge of finding these snakes over the course of a weekend. Three snakes were found in Manton, one of which measured 18ft. The other was located in Twigmoor. These snakes, including two albinos and what could be a pied golden child morph, were infected with parasitic mites and as a result, were medically treated before being relocated to their new controlled environments.
Despite Mr Stokes expressing ‘quiet confidence’ that there isn’t a fifth snake at large, he highlighted the importance of precaution. “There’s a common misunderstanding that snakes are naturally hostile, but they’re not – they’re defensive,” he explained. Humberside Police has reiterated the need for immediate contact if the potentially loose snake is sighted, as well as encouraging dog owners to keep their pets leashed in the areas affected. Meanwhile, the local rural task force is probing into possible violations of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Derived from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
