Property manager shocked to find 4ft snake lurking in hedge while checking Preston home

The man, who was visiting the property ahead of some viewings, found the reptile curled up on top of a small bush next to the front door of the house in Hoyles Lane on January 19.

He quickly alerted the RSPCA and neighbours put a cardboard box over the snow corn snake to try protect him from the cold.

Inspector Alison Fletcher arrived at the scene and managed to safely capture the snake, which is native to North America, and confined him in a box.

Snakes are ectothermic so they rely on their environment to maintain their body temperature or they can become very ill and can perish.

Alison said: "It was really lucky that this snake was spotted as he was so cold he could only just move his head.

"So I managed to warm him in my van and then as it was evening I took him home and used heated mats to get his temperature back up to normal.

"He certainly seemed content once he was back to his normal temperature and he is a beautiful snake and I called him Ghost because of his colouring."

Many of the snakes that the RSPCA's officers are called to collect are thought to be escaped pets, and corn snakes in particular are said to be "excellent escape artists".

The RSPCA recommends owners invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and that the enclosure is kept secure - and locked if necessary - when unattended to prevent accidental escape.

It is also possible to microchip snakes and owners are recommended to ask their exotics vet to do this, so that snakes can be easily reunited if lost.

"He is in good health so I am not sure if he is an escaped pet - but no-one has come forward following appeals - or if he was abandoned but he is now in the care of a specialist reptile keeper," Alison added.

"I am just grateful that the property manager was kind enough to report the matter to us as the snake would have struggled to survive much longer in such cold temperatures."

Anyone who sees a stray exotic snake should keep a safe distance before calling the RSPCA helpline on 0300 1234 999.

For more information on what to consider before adopting a corn snake, visit the RSPCA’s website: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/other/cornsnake

If anyone loses a snake there are a number of lost and found pet websites where details can be logged, including PetsLocated.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here.READ MORE: Preston's mass vaccination centre 'to be based in former B&M store'