16-foot reticulated python found as fifth dumped snake in shocking UK discovery
Source: RSG Reptiles (Facebook)
In a disturbing twist to an ongoing wildlife investigation, a fifth reticulated python has been found abandoned in North Lincolnshire. Measuring an astonishing 16 feet (5 metres), the non-native snake was discovered lying on a roadside in Twigmoor Woods, near Scunthorpe, on Saturday evening.
According to the BBC reports, the sighting was made by local resident Harry Eynon, who was driving home when he spotted the enormous reptile. The case has raised serious concerns about exotic pet dumping in the UK, especially following the discovery of four other pythons in the same area earlier this month. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
'We were shocked to say the least,' Eynon said, 'but also a little scared because it's not something you see every day in this country.'
Reticulated python found
in Lincolnshire Woodland after 10 days in the cold
As reported, the python, later named "Dave" by his rescuers, was retrieved by RSG Reptiles, a reptile rescue centre located near Alford, Lincolnshire. According to Rob Stokes, the founder of the organisation, the animal was in poor health—malnourished, underweight, and suffering from a respiratory infection, likely caused by exposure to damp, cold weather conditions not suitable for tropical reptiles.
Source: RSG Reptiles (Facebook)
"It's been out in the British weather for more than 10 days," said Stokes.
'It's quite poor and will require veterinary care.' Reticulated pythons are non-venomous constrictors native to Southeast Asia, and while they are not naturally aggressive toward humans, they are still capable of inflicting harm, particularly on native British wildlife. 'These snakes are pets, and they're unlikely to attack people,' said Stokes.
'But they do pose a real danger to local animals. Apart from being illegal, it's just cruel to dump them like this.'
Due to the similarities in species, health condition, and location, authorities and rescuers strongly believe that all five snakes were abandoned by the same person or group.
Stokes stated: 'These snakes didn't end up in the same woodland by coincidence. Someone dumped them—either because they didn't want them anymore or couldn't take care of them.'
Source: RSG Reptiles (Facebook)
Four previous snakes discovered in the same area
This latest find follows the earlier discovery of four other reticulated pythons in nearby areas, particularly Twigmoor and Cleatham, on June 15.
These repeated discoveries have prompted Humberside Police's rural task force to open an investigation into potential breaches of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which prohibits the release of non-native species into the wild.
The fact that all five snakes were found in the same general vicinity within days of each other strongly suggests they were abandoned deliberately.
Abandoned pythons raise alarm over exotic pet crisis in the UK
The incident has highlighted the growing problem of irresponsible exotic pet ownership.
Stokes urges pet owners struggling to care for large reptiles or other exotic animals to seek professional help rather than resort to abandonment.
'If you're unable to manage your pet, there are rescue centres like ours that can help. Don't just leave these animals to suffer and possibly die in the wild.'m Currently, all five rescued pythons are being housed at RSG Reptiles. The centre has since launched an online fundraising appeal to cover veterinary expenses and to build proper enclosures for the growing number of snakes under their care.
Photos released by RSG Reptiles show the snakes being handled by Rob Stokes, his partner, and son highlighting the size and striking appearance of the rescued animals, including some with gold and white colouration. In a statement, Humberside Police confirmed that the fifth snake was 'taken away safely' and acknowledged that another python may have been found dead in the same area. Investigations are ongoing. 'Inquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reports and identify those involved,' the police said.
'We appeal to anyone who has information to contact us.'
Also Read |
Black mamba vs Gaboon viper: Which is Africa's deadliest snake on the basis of venom, size, habitat and more
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
F-35B Jet Remains Grounded In Kerala; Towing Gear, Support Team Being Flown From UK
Last Updated: A UK Royal Navy F-35B jet that made an emergency landing in Kerala on June 14 remains grounded, with British engineers and towing equipment being flown in for repairs. The F-35B fighter jet of the UK's Royal Navy, which has remained stranded in Kerala for nearly a fortnight now, will now reportedly be moved to a repair hangar with the help of a special towing equipment. According to a report with the Kerala-based English newspaper Onmanorama, a specialist towing equipment is being flown in from the United Kingdom to move the jet to the Air India Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar. Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the aircraft, and it was decided that the support of a UK-based engineering team was needed. On Wednesday, British authorities said efforts were underway to repair the aircraft. The jet, worth over USD 110 million and known to be one of the most advanced fighters globally, made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram airport on June 14. The aircraft is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group of the UK's Royal Navy. 'We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram international airport as quickly as possible," a British high commission spokesperson said. 'We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support," the official said. The aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue while on the ground, which precluded its return to the carrier, it is learnt. Days after the fighter jet's emergency landing, the Indian Air Force said it was providing all necessary support for the 'rectification and subsequent return" of the aircraft. The HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group carried out military drills with the Indian Navy earlier this month. The F-35B is the only fifth-generation fighter jet with short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, making it ideal for operating from smaller decks, austere bases and ships.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
16-foot reticulated python found as fifth dumped snake in shocking UK discovery
Source: RSG Reptiles (Facebook) In a disturbing twist to an ongoing wildlife investigation, a fifth reticulated python has been found abandoned in North Lincolnshire. Measuring an astonishing 16 feet (5 metres), the non-native snake was discovered lying on a roadside in Twigmoor Woods, near Scunthorpe, on Saturday evening. According to the BBC reports, the sighting was made by local resident Harry Eynon, who was driving home when he spotted the enormous reptile. The case has raised serious concerns about exotic pet dumping in the UK, especially following the discovery of four other pythons in the same area earlier this month. Authorities continue to investigate the incident. 'We were shocked to say the least,' Eynon said, 'but also a little scared because it's not something you see every day in this country.' Reticulated python found in Lincolnshire Woodland after 10 days in the cold As reported, the python, later named "Dave" by his rescuers, was retrieved by RSG Reptiles, a reptile rescue centre located near Alford, Lincolnshire. According to Rob Stokes, the founder of the organisation, the animal was in poor health—malnourished, underweight, and suffering from a respiratory infection, likely caused by exposure to damp, cold weather conditions not suitable for tropical reptiles. Source: RSG Reptiles (Facebook) "It's been out in the British weather for more than 10 days," said Stokes. 'It's quite poor and will require veterinary care.' Reticulated pythons are non-venomous constrictors native to Southeast Asia, and while they are not naturally aggressive toward humans, they are still capable of inflicting harm, particularly on native British wildlife. 'These snakes are pets, and they're unlikely to attack people,' said Stokes. 'But they do pose a real danger to local animals. Apart from being illegal, it's just cruel to dump them like this.' Due to the similarities in species, health condition, and location, authorities and rescuers strongly believe that all five snakes were abandoned by the same person or group. Stokes stated: 'These snakes didn't end up in the same woodland by coincidence. Someone dumped them—either because they didn't want them anymore or couldn't take care of them.' Source: RSG Reptiles (Facebook) Four previous snakes discovered in the same area This latest find follows the earlier discovery of four other reticulated pythons in nearby areas, particularly Twigmoor and Cleatham, on June 15. These repeated discoveries have prompted Humberside Police's rural task force to open an investigation into potential breaches of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which prohibits the release of non-native species into the wild. The fact that all five snakes were found in the same general vicinity within days of each other strongly suggests they were abandoned deliberately. Abandoned pythons raise alarm over exotic pet crisis in the UK The incident has highlighted the growing problem of irresponsible exotic pet ownership. Stokes urges pet owners struggling to care for large reptiles or other exotic animals to seek professional help rather than resort to abandonment. 'If you're unable to manage your pet, there are rescue centres like ours that can help. Don't just leave these animals to suffer and possibly die in the wild.'m Currently, all five rescued pythons are being housed at RSG Reptiles. The centre has since launched an online fundraising appeal to cover veterinary expenses and to build proper enclosures for the growing number of snakes under their care. Photos released by RSG Reptiles show the snakes being handled by Rob Stokes, his partner, and son highlighting the size and striking appearance of the rescued animals, including some with gold and white colouration. In a statement, Humberside Police confirmed that the fifth snake was 'taken away safely' and acknowledged that another python may have been found dead in the same area. Investigations are ongoing. 'Inquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reports and identify those involved,' the police said. 'We appeal to anyone who has information to contact us.' Also Read | Black mamba vs Gaboon viper: Which is Africa's deadliest snake on the basis of venom, size, habitat and more
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
HC gives ASI 6 weeks to submit report on Clive House restoration
1 2 Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Kolkata, to submit a report within six weeks on Clive House, the residence of the first British Governor of Bengal Presidency, Lord Clive. It is situated at Rashtraguru Avenue under South Dum Dum Municipality in North 24 Parganas. A division bench of justices Soumen Sen and Smita Das De passed the order acting on a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking the restoration of Clive House, now in its withered remains. The division bench directed ASI, Kolkata, to include in its report the status of the building and suggest ways for its renovation and restoration. The Clive House was shrouded in obscurity until 2000 when the ASI took its possession and declared it a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Counsels for the petitioners, SN Mookherjee and Bikram Banerjee, submitted to the court that 20-25 squatter families were residing on the premises, which had been witnessing unauthorised constructions. "The structure is fragile, vulnerable to collapse, and lacks regular maintenance," the counsels said. ASI counsel Ashoke Chakraborty endorsed the plea. Counsels pleaded with the court for its restoration in view of its historical significance and the archaeological importance of the area. Clive House came into prominence with the discovery of decorated early historical pottery from the archaeological mound upon which the structure stands. The ASI not only took possession of the house, it also undertook excavation work, revealing the earliest habitations in the history of Kolkata. The house has a reference in the written accounts of the British officers. Robert Orme was possibly the first to mention this house in 1798 in a publication named 'A History of Military Transactions of the British Nation in Indostan'. R C Sterndale in 1891 wrote about this building, calling it one of the oldest existing buildings in Bengal, though not in its present form.
