Charity is trying to reunite Dermot with his owner
A California king snake, which was found enjoying the heat at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, is now in the care of the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
The nonvenomous two foot long snake, which has been named Dermot, was found in the palm house at the gardens on Friday.
The Scottish SPCA is now trying to reunite Dermot with his owner – and if they cannot be traced, the charity will look to find him a suitable new home.
He is being cared for at the charity's animal rescue and rehoming centre in Cardonald.
Assistant manager Katrina Cavanagh said, "Snakes need heat to survive so it's not surprising Dermot was keeping warm inside the palm house.
"We can't be sure how he got there but it's possible someone abandoned him, thinking it was a suitable environment. If this was the case it was very irresponsible as well as an offence.
"Snakes are really good escape artists though so there's also a chance Dermot has gone missing from his home nearby and was drawn towards the heat.
"We're asking anyone who recognises Dermot and knows who might have owned him to contact us so we can try to establish how he came to be there.
"If no-one comes forward for Dermot we'll find him a knowledgeable new home where his needs will be met for the rest of his life."
Anyone who recognises Dermot is being asked to call the charity's animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
