Anaconda found loose in West Pilton!
A four foot-long anaconda was rescued by a street cleaner who found it lying next to a fence in West Pilton Bank last Saturday. Gordon Fraser first thought the yellow snake was a child’s toy – until it moved!
Gordon bravely coaxed the snake into a box and took it back to his depot before contacting the Scottish SPCA.
William, as the snake has been named, is now being cared for at the charity’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno. He’s recovering well following three days of treatment at a vets.
Gordon Fraser explained: “I noticed the snake lying behind some cardboard next to a fence and thought it was a toy at first. Then it moved and I realised it was real!
“The snake looked in really poor condition so I tried to coax him into a cardboard box and we took him back to the depot. I’m pretty shocked to find out the snake is an anaconda – my workmates kept telling me not to touch him but I don’t think he would have survived for much longer if I hadn’t helped him.”
The SSPCA is now appealing for information. The charity’s June Chalcroft said: “Yellow anacondas need experienced owners as they are temperamental and will bite. However, William was extremely thin and dehydrated when he was found curled up outside and he didn’t put up a fight.
“We rescue all types of animals, including snakes, but they tend to be smaller species such as corn snakes. It’s extremely rare for a 4ft anaconda to be found in public.
“At this stage we don’t know how he came to be found outside. He may have escaped from home but we also have to consider the possibility he has been abandoned.”
Well, are you missing your pet snake?
Call the SSPCA on 03000 999 999
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