Hunt for culprit under way after snakes released in Glasgow's Botanic Gardens

Three live snakes were discovered in a glasshouse at Glasgow Botanic Gardens after being dumped by an “irresponsible individual”.

Authorities were alerted to the “distressing” incident after staff made the discovery at the gardens in the West End of the city on Monday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the council confirmed that initial sightings of the snakes caused distress before a member of staff with knowledge of the animals identified them as “non-venomous corn snakes”.

The Scottish SPCA was called to the scene and an extensive search took place before the snakes were captured.

The council spokesperson said that the “alarming” incident was caused by one “irresponsible” individual who has dumped the animals in one of the glasshouses.

A council spokesperson said: “An irresponsible individual caused alarm to staff at the Botanic Gardens yesterday by dumping three live snakes in one of the glasshouses.

“The initial sightings caused distress, but luckily, we have a member of staff with knowledge of and experience with snakes who quickly identified them as non-venomous corn snakes.

“The snakes were quickly captured after an extensive search and the SSPCA was called.”

The Scottish SPCA has been contacted for comment.