Family horrified to discover huge 'abandoned' 5ft python resting on their boiler

It was taken to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital after being captured by the animal charity.

The snake was likely to have escaped or been abandoned and made its way to the warmest part of the house, according to animal rescue officer Abigail Campbell.

Campbell said: "I saw the python curled up on top of the boiler. He was most likely up there as it would have been the warmest part of the house and snakes need external heat sources to regulate body temperature.

"The nanny thinks he got into the boiler room through a gap in the wall from the garden. We believe he has either escaped or was abandoned nearby.

"He was skinny. I nudged him to make sure he wasn't aggressive.

"But he allowed me to pick him up no problem, though he did cling on to the boiler pipe tightly, he was very strong.

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"He was very chilled and became somewhat lively once he had been picked up, looking around and smelling the air.

"He was placed in a snake bag where he chilled out again and curled up."

The python was said to be "slightly skinny" and in a bid to find its owner, "Animal Found" posters have been placed around the area.

However, Campbell added that it was "not unusual for us to be called to collect an abandoned snake".

"We believe many people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are when they take them on, and we suspect the reality of caring for them has become too much in these cases," she said.

"This is why we would encourage anyone thinking of getting an exotic pet to find out as much as possible about the animal’s needs and whether they’re the right pet for them.

"It is so sad as people who are struggling to cope could simply ask for help and advice which is why the RSPCA has launched its dedicated cost of living web pages."