Latest news with #HarryEynon
Time of India
27-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
16-foot reticulated python found as fifth dumped snake in shocking UK discovery
Source: RSG Reptiles (Facebook) In a disturbing twist to an ongoing wildlife investigation, a fifth reticulated python has been found abandoned in North Lincolnshire. Measuring an astonishing 16 feet (5 metres), the non-native snake was discovered lying on a roadside in Twigmoor Woods, near Scunthorpe, on Saturday evening. According to the BBC reports, the sighting was made by local resident Harry Eynon, who was driving home when he spotted the enormous reptile. The case has raised serious concerns about exotic pet dumping in the UK, especially following the discovery of four other pythons in the same area earlier this month. Authorities continue to investigate the incident. 'We were shocked to say the least,' Eynon said, 'but also a little scared because it's not something you see every day in this country.' Reticulated python found in Lincolnshire Woodland after 10 days in the cold As reported, the python, later named "Dave" by his rescuers, was retrieved by RSG Reptiles, a reptile rescue centre located near Alford, Lincolnshire. According to Rob Stokes, the founder of the organisation, the animal was in poor health—malnourished, underweight, and suffering from a respiratory infection, likely caused by exposure to damp, cold weather conditions not suitable for tropical reptiles. Source: RSG Reptiles (Facebook) "It's been out in the British weather for more than 10 days," said Stokes. 'It's quite poor and will require veterinary care.' Reticulated pythons are non-venomous constrictors native to Southeast Asia, and while they are not naturally aggressive toward humans, they are still capable of inflicting harm, particularly on native British wildlife. 'These snakes are pets, and they're unlikely to attack people,' said Stokes. 'But they do pose a real danger to local animals. Apart from being illegal, it's just cruel to dump them like this.' Due to the similarities in species, health condition, and location, authorities and rescuers strongly believe that all five snakes were abandoned by the same person or group. Stokes stated: 'These snakes didn't end up in the same woodland by coincidence. Someone dumped them—either because they didn't want them anymore or couldn't take care of them.' Source: RSG Reptiles (Facebook) Four previous snakes discovered in the same area This latest find follows the earlier discovery of four other reticulated pythons in nearby areas, particularly Twigmoor and Cleatham, on June 15. These repeated discoveries have prompted Humberside Police's rural task force to open an investigation into potential breaches of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which prohibits the release of non-native species into the wild. The fact that all five snakes were found in the same general vicinity within days of each other strongly suggests they were abandoned deliberately. Abandoned pythons raise alarm over exotic pet crisis in the UK The incident has highlighted the growing problem of irresponsible exotic pet ownership. Stokes urges pet owners struggling to care for large reptiles or other exotic animals to seek professional help rather than resort to abandonment. 'If you're unable to manage your pet, there are rescue centres like ours that can help. Don't just leave these animals to suffer and possibly die in the wild.'m Currently, all five rescued pythons are being housed at RSG Reptiles. The centre has since launched an online fundraising appeal to cover veterinary expenses and to build proper enclosures for the growing number of snakes under their care. Photos released by RSG Reptiles show the snakes being handled by Rob Stokes, his partner, and son highlighting the size and striking appearance of the rescued animals, including some with gold and white colouration. In a statement, Humberside Police confirmed that the fifth snake was 'taken away safely' and acknowledged that another python may have been found dead in the same area. Investigations are ongoing. 'Inquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reports and identify those involved,' the police said. 'We appeal to anyone who has information to contact us.' Also Read | Black mamba vs Gaboon viper: Which is Africa's deadliest snake on the basis of venom, size, habitat and more
BBC News
23-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Fifth large snake found in Lincolnshire woodland near Scunthorpe
A fifth snake has been found abandoned in North 16ft (5m) long reticulated python was discovered by a passing motorist on a road in Twigmoor Woods, near Scunthorpe, on Saturday discovery comes after Humberside Police said its rural task force was investigating offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 after four snakes had been found in the same area on June Harry Eynon, who was driving home when he spotted the snake and called police, said: "We were shocked to say the least, but also a little scared because it's not something you see every day in this country." The animal was recovered by RSG Reptiles and taken to their specialist reptile rescue centre near Alford, where the four other snakes are being looked Rob Stokes said the snake was underweight and was "quite poorly" with a respiratory infection that would require treatment by a vet."It's been out in the British weather for more than 10 days," he previous four pythons were discovered in the Twigmoor and Cleatham areas of North snakes are non-venomous and are native to South East Asia and can grow up to 18ft (5.5m) in Stokes said he thought all five had been "dumped by the same people"."Apart from being illegal, it's just cruel," he said."They're pets, so they are unlikely to attack people, although they could present a danger to wildlife."He appealed to anybody struggling to keep exotic animals to get in touch rather than abandoning them in the wild. The snake, named Dave by one of the people who found it, will live at the rescue centre with the other Reptiles has set up an online fundraising appeal to pay the costs of building enclosures for the snakes and vet said the fifth snake had been "taken away safely" and added that they had also received a report of another one found dead in the same a statement, police said: "Inquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reports and identify those involved, and we would appeal to anyone who has information to contact us."Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
