THE RSPCA has issued advice about snakes after one was sighted in Northfield’s Ley Hill Park.
The poster stated that the snake, estimated to be around 1.5metres long, had been spotted several times this week with the latest one being yesterday (Thursday).
Dog walkers are also warned to keep an eye on their dogs.
The snake in the park is thought to be a boa constrictor or royal python.
An RSPCA spokesperson told the Standard snakes became more active during hot weather so was unsurprising it received the highest numbers of reports during July and August.
“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.
“The RSPCA urges 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.
“Another reason why more snakes escape in the summer is that some owners take them outside to take advantage of the natural sunlight.
“While sunlight is good for reptiles, the RSPCA urges owners to ensure their pet is kept secure when doing so as they can warm up and move very quickly on a sunny day.
“While many of the snakes we deal with are thought to be escaped pets, sadly, there are also a lot of abandoned snakes.
“We find that many people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are when they take them on, which we believe contributes to the hundreds of animals every year who have sadly been abandoned when their owners can no longer meet their needs.”
RSPCA and exotic pets
The spokesperson said exotic pets such as snakes often ended up in the RSPCA’s care after people realised they were not easy to care for ‘or the novelty wears off’.
Others are rescued after they have been abandoned or been released on purpose, which then could pose a risk to our native wildlife.
“The needs of reptiles can be challenging to meet because they are just the same as they would be in the wild and are fundamentally linked to certain behaviours, diets or environmental conditions that can be difficult to replicate in a domestic environment.
“The RSPCA urges prospective owners of reptiles such as snakes to thoroughly research the needs of the particular species and what is required in the care of the animal, using expert sources.
“People should only consider keeping a snake if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for these needs.”
Visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/other for more on snakes and adopting them.
