Two giant PYTHONS have been found in a British woodland as experts fear more are on the loose.
A shocked motor came across a ball python, also known as a royal python, while driving.
Two days later, a similar snake was found in the same area.
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Ball pythons live in grasslands, shrublands and open forests of west and central Africa.
They are non-venomous constrictors and can grow to six feet long.
Although not big enough to kill an adult human they could attack children and small pets.
The snakes were found at Huntsham Wood in Tiverton, Devon.
The first was on Friday (30 August) and the second was on Sunday (1 Sept).
Staff from Tropiquaria Zoo, in Watchet, Somerset, came to rescue the animals, which appeared to have been well-fed and cared for but would struggle to survive in the wild during a British winter.
As the snakes were found close together, experts believe they were likely deliberately abandoned by their owners.
“This species is from sub-Saharan Africa and to release them into the British countryside particularly as autumn is coming is cruel and totally unnecessary,” Chris Moiser, director of Tropiquaria Zoo, told Need To Know.
“It would almost certainly lead to the slow death of the animals unless they were recovered quickly.
“In view of the remote Location of where they were found, it seems likely that there was no intention that they should be found.
“And we do not know if the owner just released these two or if there are other reptiles still out there.”
A report of animal cruelty was recorded by Devon and Cornwall Police on 3 September but, according to a police statement, there are currently “no active lines of enquiry.”
Mr Moiser said while he appreciates that even “responsible, loving owners” may not be able to continue to look after their animals because of the current economic climate and energy costs, there are plenty of organisations that will take them in.
He said: “The National Centre for Reptile Welfare, for example, can take them and re-home and can often even arrange collection when the need is urgent and compelling.
“This makes the actions of this owner even more despicable when just a few minutes of research on the internet would have led to a satisfactory and humane conclusion.”
Mr Moiser said, fortunately, abandonment is very rare.
He said: “The vast majority of responsible owners do re-home through rescue centres if they need to.
“It is the odd case like this that gives the animal rights groups the ammunition to call on the government to legislate against the private keeping of exotic animals, when the great majority of owners are very responsible, care for their animals, and educate friends and family about their pets.
“Many larger zoos would not get involved in this sort of situation.
“Tropiquaria takes the view that as part of our educational obligations, we should help where we can and where our staff knowledge can help the local community (both human and other species) we should do what we can.
“In this case doing so has realistically cost us several hours of staff time, on a limited budget, a few pounds in fuel, and a modest amount in vet bills.”
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