Press x2: Can you care for a snake?

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Posted by W von Papine�u on January 14, 2003 at 10:37:33:

EVENING NEWS (Worcester, UK) 13 January 03 Can you care for a snake?
People with experience caring for snakes are being urged to come forward after a snake found in Worcester has remained unclaimed.
The 12-inch American cornsnake was discovered abandoned on the pavement outside Tramps nightclub, in Angel Street, Worcester, just before Christmas.
Shocked passers-by called police, who took the snake back to the Castle Street police station. The snake was then taken to Vale Wildlife Rescue Centre, near Evesham, by an RSPCA officer.
On Thursday, the Evening News reported how the snake could soon be reunited with its owner, after a Worcester man rang the centre to say he had lost a similar snake four months ago.
The man told the centre he believed the reptile could be his, but has not been in contact since.
"If it's the man's snake we would urge him to come along," said Caroline Gould, manager of the centre.
"We had one phone call from the Worcester man, but he has never been back in touch.
"He was expected to come out that night, but he didn't."
The snake, which is about the same diameter as a 10 pence piece, has been feeding well since it was found on Sunday, December 22.
Miss Gould said there was not a deadline date for re-housing the snake but the centre would be looking for a new owner who had experience with reptiles.
"We could re-home him now," she said.
"It's matter of finding the right person.
"We won't let anyone look after the reptile. They have to have experience.
"So many reptiles are kept in appalling conditions where people don't know what they are doing.
"We will be running checks on whoever looks after him, and looking at what facilities they have for a reptile."
Anyone who is experienced in looking after snakes, and would like to offer this one a home, should contact the centre on 01386 882288.
http://www.thisisworcestershire.co.uk/worcestershire/archive/2003/01/13/wen_news_latest10ZM.html

EVENING NEWS (Worcester, UK) 09 January 03 `Nightclub snake' is on the mend
A snake found freezing outside a Worcester nightclub has made a good recovery and may soon be reunited with its owner.
The 12-inch American cornsnake was discovered abandoned on the pavement outside Tramps club, Angel Place, Worcester, just before Christmas.
Shocked passers-by called police, who took the wriggling yellow and red snake into custody and back to the Castle Street police station.
The snake was thin and cold when it was then taken to Vale Wildlife Rescue Centre, near Evesham, by an RSPCA officer.
Since being taken in by the centre, it has since put on weight.
Cornsnakes are non-venomous, but use constriction to kill their prey.
There are more than 100 varieties and they are usually found in the south-east United States.
A man recently rang the centre to say he lost a snake a few months ago, and said he believed the reptile could be his.
"We had a phone call recently from a gentleman in Worcester who said he lost a snake four months ago," said Martin Brookes, assistant manager at the centre.
"He probably wasn't expecting to see it again. He made contact with us when he heard the snake was found.
"He was going to come over the other night, but hasn't got a car, and wasn't able to get a lift."
Last month, the Evening News reported how the snake, which is about the same diameter as a 10 pence piece, was transported in a plastic bag when police officers picked it up on Sunday, December 22, shortly after it was discovered at 6.30am.
Local snake owners were contacted, but could not help with the source of the reptile.
Gwyneth David, the RSPCA animal collection officer for Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, said the snake could not have survived for much longer.
She said it could have escaped from its owner, or someone could have let it go.
"The snake is half grown, and feeding quite well now," added Mr Brookes.
http://www.thisisworcestershire.co.uk/worcestershire/archive/2003/01/09/wen_news_latest12ZM.html

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