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Posted by Wes von Papineäu on January 26, 2001 at 12:17:14:
Photo: TRAGIC - Peter Heathcote of the Reptile Trust tried to save the snake but it died before life-saving surgery
EVENING CHRONICLE (Newcastle, UK) 26 January 01 Snake's fatal blow - Pet reptile dies after enduring a serious injury and freezing temperatures (David Trout)
Roland the pet grey rat snake has lost a desperate fight for life after suffering the double blow of a serious injury and a freezing ordeal.
The harmless three foot reptile, found in Concord Way, Jarrow, by a member of the public and reported to the police, died before vets could perform a life saving operation.
"He had a four inch gash as if someone had taken a swipe at him. Perhaps someone got a fright because they thought he was poisonous," said Peter Heathcote of the Burnopfield Reptile Trust.
RSPCA officers rushed Roland to the centre where Peter's wife Katherine was preparing a life saving operation when the snake died from a heart attack.
She had planned to amputate part of the snake's injured tail.
"We are very sad to lose him. We try to save all our injured animals," said Peter.
Grey rat snakes are native to the USA and live in temperatures of about 28 degrees - far warmer than the near freezing temperatures this week in Jarrow.
Peter and Katherine believe the snake's ordeal in the cold as much as his injury led to his death.
Peter said: "We think someone could have injured this snake with a spade or shovel believing it was poisonous. But the majority of pet snakes are harmless."
A fully grown adult grey rat snake grows to around five feet long and the breed is popular as a pet.
The Reptile Centre handles hundreds of abandoned and injured creatures every year, including hundreds of snakes.
"Last year we had about 800 snakes in here," said Peter.
Anyone who has lost Roland is asked to contact the Reptile Trust on (01207) 271766.