Snake drama in Corby road

The incident happened at about 11.50am today at the Shell service station.

Passing motorist Kelly Brawn said: “The orange snake, which was about 1 metre in length, had been cordoned off - it was lying in the entrance to the petrol station.”

A Northamptonshire Police spokeman confirmed that a corn snake had been injured.

She said: “The police understand that a snake has been run over by a car and the RSPCA has been called.”

A spokesman from the Shell garage said: “The snake is still alive and we are now waiting for the RSPCA.”

Corn snakes are a North American species of rat snake that subdues its small prey by constriction.

They can grow to about 150cm long and female corn snakes usually grow larger than males.

As with all snakes, corn snakes may bite under stress or if they smell food. However, they’re not venomous.

When threatened, corn snakes may pull their head back displaying an ‘S’ shaped neck.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “We were called to reports that a corn snake had been run over in Surrey Close, Corby today.

“We attended the scene but unfortunately the snake was dead so we have taken the body to a nearby vets in case the owner can be traced.

“We would always advise that if anyone finds a snake they believe is non-native to keep a safe distance, monitor the snake and call the charity’s helpline on 0300 1234 999.

“Many of the snakes the RSPCA’s officers are called to collect are thought to be escaped pets.

“We would always recommend owners invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and that the enclosure is kept secure (and locked if necessary) when unattended.

“Reptiles, particularly snakes, can be extremely good escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid.”

If anyone loses a snake there are a number of lost and found pet websites where details can be logged, including PetsLocated.

It is possible to microchip snakes and the RSPCA would recommend that owners ask their exotics vet to do this, so that snakes can be easily reunited if lost and found.