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'Fallen branch' was 17ft python 'Fallen branch' was 8ft python
(1 day later)
A gardener got a shock when he went to pick up a branch at his allotment and realised it was a 17ft (5m) python. A gardener got a shock when he went to pick up a branch at his allotment and realised it was a 8ft (2.4m) python.
Ronnie Kenyon, 58, found the snake in the plot of land in Blackburn, Lancashire - which normally houses chickens, ducks and goats - on Monday.Ronnie Kenyon, 58, found the snake in the plot of land in Blackburn, Lancashire - which normally houses chickens, ducks and goats - on Monday.
He was about to pick it up to throw in the river when he realised his mistake and contacted police.He was about to pick it up to throw in the river when he realised his mistake and contacted police.
Two officers were sent to the allotment and put the snake in an evidence bag to take to a local vet.Two officers were sent to the allotment and put the snake in an evidence bag to take to a local vet.
Sgt Graham Brownsmith, of Lancashire Police, said: "Luckily it was a cold day so it was quite docile when it was outside.Sgt Graham Brownsmith, of Lancashire Police, said: "Luckily it was a cold day so it was quite docile when it was outside.
"We grabbed hold of it, shoved it in the largest evidence bag we had with us and took it to the local vet, by which point it had warmed up a bit and started getting more lively."We grabbed hold of it, shoved it in the largest evidence bag we had with us and took it to the local vet, by which point it had warmed up a bit and started getting more lively.
"The only advice we were given was 'Don't approach it from the front'.""The only advice we were given was 'Don't approach it from the front'."
They're slippery customers, they escape RSPCA spokeswomanThey're slippery customers, they escape RSPCA spokeswoman
The officer said he began to get nervous when the snake became more active.The officer said he began to get nervous when the snake became more active.
"It was later in the vet's when the snake warmed up and it was getting a lot more aggressive and a lot more lively."It was later in the vet's when the snake warmed up and it was getting a lot more aggressive and a lot more lively.
"There's obviously a lot of strength in a snake of that size. It was getting a bit more nervy then.""There's obviously a lot of strength in a snake of that size. It was getting a bit more nervy then."
Although pythons are not native to Lancashire, the RSPCA said such snakes were sometimes found in unusual locations after escaping from pet owners.Although pythons are not native to Lancashire, the RSPCA said such snakes were sometimes found in unusual locations after escaping from pet owners.
A spokeswoman said: "It's not ridiculously common but it's not unheard of either. They're slippery customers, they escape.A spokeswoman said: "It's not ridiculously common but it's not unheard of either. They're slippery customers, they escape.
"It's not the nicest of things to come across but it's not the most unusual. Our advice is if you find a snake like this don't go near it, give us a call straight away."It's not the nicest of things to come across but it's not the most unusual. Our advice is if you find a snake like this don't go near it, give us a call straight away.
"If you come across one just close the door, stay away from it and we'll try and endeavour to sort it out as soon as we can.""If you come across one just close the door, stay away from it and we'll try and endeavour to sort it out as soon as we can."
No-one has come forward to claim the Lancashire python and police believe it may have grown too big for its owner to keep.No-one has come forward to claim the Lancashire python and police believe it may have grown too big for its owner to keep.