Boa constrictor and deadly 6ft-long anaconda among the massive snakes dumped by British owners unable to care for them
An 8ft long boa constrictor was found dumped near a wildlife hospital yesterday after it was left in a box with a note saying "warning, live snake"
SNAKE experts fear huge serpents are on the lose in Britain because owners cannot look after them and set them free.
In the most recent find of an abandoned snake, an enormous 8ft boa constrictor was found in a box near a wildlife hospital.
It took two people to life the container, labelled with a note saying "warning, live snake", which staff at Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital think was dumped yesterday morning.
Care supervisor Marilyn Korkis said: "It was huge - the thickness of a thigh.
"I had the shock of my life - you don't expect that sort of thing.
"To get something that big is a bit out of the ordinary.
"Part of it was not knowing what sort of snake it was and what it was capable of.
"Give me a badger any day over a snake.
"We're more used to rescuing native wildlife species and taking in smaller animals like cats and dogs that have been left outside the gates rather than creatures of this size, though in the past we have taken in smaller snakes like corn snakes.
"The box it had been left in had been secured with wire and tape to ensure it did not get loose and inside was a duvet cover.
The snake was dehydrated but otherwise in a good condition. Clearly someone had dumped it.
"Don't dump them, there are people out there that will take them for you.
"If you can't cope, get help - there are people out there."
This find comes after soldiers out training in Farnborough, Hants, discovered a 6ft long anaconda.
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The snake, which has coils powerful enough to crush bones, was rescued by the troops, as it would be unlikely to survive in the British winter.
It's now being cared for at the RSPCA reptile centre in Brighton where an appeal has gone out to find the owner.
RSPCA animal welfare officer Peter Yarde said "They spotted it moving around in circles and occasionally raising and lowering its head."
He warned of the dangers of keeping exotic pets, as well as the importance of potential owners carrying out research first so they don't get into a spin when their snake starts to shed its skin.
Caring for exotic animals can be challenging and expensive, for they still have the same needs as in the wild, which must be met in captivity by law under the Animal Welfare Act.
He said: "Buyers who do not do their homework may not know how to cope when their pet reaches full size, becomes aggressive, lives longer than expected or requires paperwork to be legally kept or sold.
"Exotic pets often end up in our care after people realise they're not easy to care for or once the novelty wears off.
"Others are rescued after they've escaped or have been released on purpose.
"Some species can be difficult for us to re-home, due to a lack of suitable homes or interest.
"Non-native species may not survive in our countryside and are illegal to release, as they could be an invasive species posing a risk to our native wildlife.
"Vital tips on caring for exotic pets may not be provided by sellers and can be hard to find online.
"Information is available at , to help potential buyers make an informed decision."
A family from Bristol were left horrified after they discovered a 5ft-long SNAKE slithering through their brand new car as they travelled down the M5.
And earlier this month a mother who was carrying her ALDI supermarket shopping through a city suburb was bitten by a venomous snake on her way home.
Terrified Patricia Bullock, 57, was left in agony after the slithering reptile emerged from the bushes and sank its fangs into her leg last Sunday.
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