Snake found abandoned in West Lothian woodland

Hank the snake was found in woodland near Bathgate. Picture: SSPCA

The Scottish SPCA has launched an appeal for information after the snake was taken into the care of the animal welfare charity earlier this week.

The SSPCA was alerted yesterday afternoon by a member of the public who spotted the serpent in woods near Torphichen on the outskirts of Bathgate.

The snake, which weighs over 5kgs, is now in the care of the charity’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Balerno, where he has been named Hank.

Inspector Jennifer Surgeon said: “It’s highly likely Hank has been abandoned due to the remoteness of the location he was found. He very lucky to have survived his ordeal as the cold weather could easily have killed him.”

She continued: “Hank was extremely subdued and completely limp when I picked him up and we weren’t’t sure whether he was even alive. However, after spending time warming up beside the radiator in my van Hank soon began moving again.

“He has now been vet checked and is receiving onward care and attention at our centre. Despite the circumstances Hank was found in, he appears to be in good overall health.”

Insp Surgeon added: “We are appealing to the public to contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 if they recognise Hank and know who might have owned him as abandoning an animal is an offence. In the meantime, we’ll look after Hank until we can find him a loving new home.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.