Snake found in Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens

A TWO foot long Californian king snake has been discovered escaping the icy blasts of a Scottish winter by sheltering in the cosy warmth of Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens.

Dermot the Californian king snake after being rescued from the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow. Picture: Scottish SPCA

The Scottish SPCA was called in to rescue the reptile on Friday after he was discovered in the palm house at the popular gardens.

Now named Dermot, the two foot long snake is being cared for at the charity’s Glasgow 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.”

She continued: “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.”

Ms Cavanagh added: “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 Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.