Pair of snakes strike fear throughout village after being seen on the loose

Villagers have been warned to keep away from a pair of potentially venomous snakes that have been spotted on the loose.

The RSPCA has urged people in Alrewas, Staffordshire, to keep a safe distance if they spot the escaped reptiles as it is not known exactly what breed they are.

Officers were called after a shocked driver found a 5ft long corn snake in a plastic box in a layby near Orgreave Hall on Monday.

There were two other boxes dumped nearby each containing shed skin – meaning two other snakes had been dumped but escaped.

But as the RSPCA cannot say with certainty what kind they are, they could be venomous.

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Local residents have now expressed their concerns over the escaped snakes and say they fear for the safety of their children and pets.

Animal collection officer Catherine Strawford said: ‘The corn snake we found is very friendly but at 5ft long is quite a size.

‘It appears that two other snakes were dumped at the time but these have escaped – at this stage we do not know what species they are and indeed if they are venomous.

‘We will continue to monitor the area and in the meantime the RSPCA would always recommend that anyone who sees a stray exotic snake to keep a safe distance, call our helpline on 0300 1234 999 and monitor the animal until we can get there.

‘We believe people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are, and once they grow in size they can no longer cope.

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‘It is so sad that they are just dumped at the side of the road when people who are struggling to cope could simply call us for help and advice.’

Villagers have described the escape as ‘like something from a horror film.’

One mother-of-two, who did not want to be named, said: ‘It’s quite alarming that they don’t know what sort of snakes they are.

‘I have two young children and a dog and I’d be paranoid now if we went walking over the fields – I’ll be staying away for the time being that’s for sure.

‘I’m worried because I absolutely hate snakes and to know there’s two slithering around somewhere nearby is pretty scary.

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‘What if they make their way into the village? It sends a chill down my spine.’

A dad, who also wished to remain anonymous, added: ‘Two mystery snakes escaping in a village sounds like something straight from a horror film.

‘I hope they find them soon. People keep all sorts of snakes, it could be anything. It really gives you the creeps.’

Stephanie Jayson, senior scientific officer from the RSPCA’s wildlife department, added: ‘Many people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are when they take them on, which we believe may be why we are rescuing hundreds of reptiles every year.

‘Abandoning a reptile or releasing unwanted exotic pets into the wild is cruel and illegal.

‘Most exotic animals kept as pets are unlikely to be able to survive in the wild in Britain and non-native species could pose a serious threat to our native wildlife.’