RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information after a snake was ‘caught off the rails’ in a house in Bangor.
The stray Kingsnake was found on a curtain rail inside a Bangor home earlier this month (5 September) with the shocked homeowner contacting the police. The RSPCA were then informed.
RSPCA inspector Mark Roberts said: “This snake – which was around one metre in length – was found on a curtain rail and very much gave the homeowner a fright.
“The snake had no obvious injuries and apart from being very cold was still active. We have no idea how the snake got there. The snake must have escaped from a nearby house and most probably has an owner looking for them.
“We’re now appealing for information and would ask anyone with information about a possible owner to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
The snake is currently at a vets and is being monitored before being transferred to a specialist exotic centre.
Kingsnakes are medium-size non-venomous snakes that kill by constriction. They are one of the most common snakes in North America. They are called kingsnakes because they sometimes eat other snakes, as does the king cobra. Kingsnakes are popular among pet owners.
Many of the snakes the RSPCA’s officers are called to collect are thought to be escaped pets. The RSPCA always recommend owners invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and that the enclosure is kept secure, and locked if necessary, when unattended. Reptiles, particularly snakes, can be extremely good escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid.
It is possible to microchip snakes and the RSPCA recommend that owners ask their exotics vet to do this, so that snakes can be easily reunited if lost and found.
An RSPCA spokesman added: “The needs of snakes in captivity are just the same as they would be in the wild and it is vital that owners ensure their accommodation is always secure, safe and appropriate.
“Reptile owners must thoroughly research the needs of the particular species and what is required in the care of the animal, using expert sources, and only consider keeping one if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for these needs.”
