RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information after a stray corn snake was found on the pavement near Swansea train station.
The unusual discovery happened on Friday morning (24 February) after the snake was found by a passer-by when walking to work.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Ellie West said: “The snake was found by a woman when walking to work and she acted quickly and kindly picked the snake up and took it to their place of work for safety.
“The baby snake was confined in a plastic takeaway food tub with air holes on it and then placed that box inside a Greggs ‘sweet treats’ cardboard box and she had the snake on her desk until I was able to attend.
“I imagine it would have been a bit of a shock if one of her colleagues had thought they would take a sneaky ‘sweet treat’ but instead found this little soul all curled up inside. Luckily, the little snake had already been the talk of the office that morning and everyone was very fond of them and were pleased it was going to a place of safety.”
RSPCA Cymru is now calling on anyone with any information to try and track down the owner of the snake – who could be a possible escapee – to contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
“The snake was found near student accommodation so there’s a chance this slithery one made an escape and someone may genuinely be missing it,” said Ellie.
“I would appeal for anyone with information about a possible owner to get in touch. We would love to reunite this snake with his or her owner.”
The snake has now been taken to a reptile specialist for boarding, while enquiries are made.
Many of the snakes the RSPCA’s rescuers are called to collect are thought to be escaped pets. The RSPCA would 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. Corn snakes can be extremely good escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid.
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.
If anyone finds a snake they believe is non-native the RSPCA’s advice is to keep a safe distance, monitor the snake and call the charity’s helpline on 0300 1234 999.
