Snake owners have actually been alerted to be additional alert as the RSPCA braces for an increase in snakes leaving due to heat.
It follows a roaming, six-foot boa constrictor was discovered under a garden shed in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
The snake, which was healthy and in good condition, has actually been rehomed after no owner might be determined.
With the heatwave set to continue, the RSPCA is encouraging snake owners to be mindful and to check animal enclosures are safely secured.
RSPCA senior clinical officer Evie Button called snakes “excellent escape artists”, and said they typically benefit from spaces in doors or loose-fitting covers to make a break for it.
RSPCA“Last year, we took more than 1,000 reports about snakes, with the highest number of calls coming in during the summer months,” she said.
“This is not surprising, as snakes become more active during hot weather – so as the UK continues to swelter this summer, we’re braced for another influx of calls.”
The charity is prompting all family pet snake owners to be additional alert, purchase ideal enclosures and make certain they are kept secure and locked – particularly when ignored.
Another reason that more snakes get away in the summertime is that some owners take them outside to benefit from the natural sunshine.
Earlier this month, a man was spotted sunbathing with 20 of his snakes in Paisley’s Barshaw Park.
While sunshine benefits reptiles, the charity says owners need to guarantee their family pet is secure when doing so, as they can heat up and move really rapidly on a bright day.
“Many of the snakes the RSPCA’s officers are called to collect are thought to be escaped pets,” Ms Button continued.
“But sadly, we also have to deal with 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.”
Exotic animals such as snakes typically wind up in the charity’s care after individuals understand they’re challenging to take care of, or the novelty subsides.
Others are rescued after they have actually been abandoned or been launched on function, which then might posture a danger to 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,” Ms Button said.
“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.”
Without appropriate care they can struggle with major illness, dehydration, injuries, parasites, and in extreme cases or if left unattended, they can ultimately pass away.
Most unique animals kept as animals are not likely to be able to endure in the wild in Britain and non-native types might posture a major hazard to our native wildlife.
It is prohibited to launch, or to permit to get away, any types that are not usually belonging to the UK.
