Escaped young corn snake discovered slithering around newsagents

Corn snake: Eli was found in Ayr.Scottish SPCA

A young corn snake has been found slithering around a newsagents.

The 12 inch-long orange and red snake was spotted in the shop in High Road in Saltcoats, Ayrshire on Wednesday.

The shopkeeper managed to catch the reptile, who has been named Eli, before calling the Scottish SPCA.

The animal welfare charity now hope to reunite the pet with its owner.

Alistair Hill, from the Scottish SPCA, said: "The lady had managed to contain Eli until we arrived which was very brave as I expect most people would get a real fright coming across a snake unexpectedly, even a tiny one.

"Eli is rather thin and hadn't eaten for a few weeks so could have been straying for a while. Thankfully, Eli is now recovering in our care and doing well.

"Quite often when we're called to rescue snakes they've come down the wall from a building above, but this shop stands alone so we're scratching our heads as to where Eli has come from.

"Corn snakes are popular pets so it's likely someone is missing Eli, although we can't rule out a possible abandonment. If an owner doesn't come forward, we'll soon be looking to find Eli a knowledgeable new home."

Anyone who recognises Eli is asked to contact the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.

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