A royal python was found in a plastic box near a house in Essex amid freezing conditions. Rescuers are appealing for information.
The snake was a royal python, about a metre long. It was outside on Satanita Road in freezing cold weather. Rescuers took the snake to a vet, as it seemed very cold and tired.
Investigators do not know who left the snake. They do not have much information yet, and sadly, there are no security cameras nearby, which makes finding answers harder.
Enola Evans, an animal rescuer, helped the snake. She said the snake felt cold and unwell, and her first job was warming it up before taking it straight to the vet. Residents did not know about the snake.
The RSPCA wants the public to help by sharing what they know. The snake was outside in bad weather, which was not good for it and could have killed it.
Enola felt shocked someone left the snake, especially during such cold weather. If you know anything, call 0300 123 8018.
Abandonment calls are increasing quickly. The RSPCA reports many more calls, with this January having 1,972 reports compared to only 1,471 last January. That is a big increase, climbing over 34%.
Rescuing snakes is fairly common. People often do not know much about snakes, yet exotic pets need special care. Reptiles need controlled temperatures, requiring special lights and heaters, and not having these things harms them.
If you find an exotic snake, keep away. Watch it closely and report it.