The Scottish SPCA was caring for over 60 snakes at their nine Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centres across Scotland during National Serpent Day yesterday (1st February). Continue reading SSPCA seeks homes for sixty snakes on National Serpent Day
Tag: snakes
Snakes Alive! Anaconda gies Gordon the Willies!
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
Record-breaking resident Rascal seeks new home
One thousand days in care for Rascal the snake
A snake who has become the Scottish SPCA’s longest resident is looking for a home after 1000 days in care. Scotland’s animal welfare charity is hoping to find the right home for Rascal, a California kingsnake who arrived at their Edinburgh Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in the summer of 2012.
Assistant manager Kenny Sharpe said, “Poor Rascal has been with us for nearly three years and has attracted very little interest. He arrived in our care after he was found behind a kitchen unit in Bathgate. A lot of people are put off by his appearance but we know there are plenty of reptile enthusiasts out there who will appreciate Rascal for the stunning creature he is.
“Rascal has a good temperament for a kingsnake and we are looking for an owner with previous snake experience to take him on. Snakes have specialist care requirements and should not be rehomed on a whim so we would certainly urge any would-be owners to do their research.”
Anyone who can offer Rascal a new home is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA’s Edinburgh centre on 03000 999 999.