Snake in a drain rescued after getting sssssstuck

A large snake slithered into a tight spot and had to be rescued after getting stuck in a drain.

The snake in the drain - a 1.5m (5ft) Mexican black kingsnake - was spotted when it poked its head out of the metal mesh in Thurleigh, Bedford, on Sunday.

RSPCA rescue officer Nicole Scott managed to take photographs and get the snake identified as non-venomous before rescuing it.

It is currently being looked after and treated for some injuries while the charity attempts to find its owner.

It is not known how long the snake had been stuck in the drain, but it was too large to get anything other than its head through the cover.

Once rescued, it was taken to a vet for overnight care and warming up and has since been placed at a specialist private exotic boarding establishment, the RSPCA said.

The snake was in a poor condition and was also thought to be suffering from a respiratory condition as well - which could have been caused by being stuck in the drain and water.

It also had abscesses along its body and was physically quite weak.

"I am pleased that we were able to remove them from the drain - as they probably wouldn't have survived in there if left any longer," Ms Scott said.

"We suspect this snake could be an escapee and so therefore we are appealing to find their owner - but if the owner does not come forward then the snake will be rehomed."

Mexican black kingsnakes belong to the constrictor group of snakes, so are not venomous.

Most people have heard of the film Snakes on a Plane, and while that does not often happen, snakes in a drain are a little more common.

The RSPCA has often referred to snakes as well-known escape artists and urged prospective owners to thoroughly research the needs of the particular species, using expert sources, and to only consider keeping one if they could ensure they are fully able to provide for those needs.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.