Dead snake found on Ticknall road believed to be a python

Residents were left doing a double take when they spotted a large snake by the roadside in a South Derbyshire village.

The dead snake, believed to be a python, was found in Ingleby Lane, in Ticknall and was spotted in the early hours of Thursday, May 24, said officers from the safer neighbourhood team.

A post on Swadlincote Safer Neighbourhood Team's Twitter page read that a 'large snake' had been found and officers wanted to reassure residents that the animal was dead.

It has also been confirmed that it has been removed from the side of the road by wildlife experts.

A Derbyshire Police spokesman said: "We had a call at 8.40am this morning from someone who had seen this snake on the side of the road.

"They thought it was alive. Officers believed it to be dead when they arrived.

"We were discussing whether to call the RSPCA but we spoke to Burton Wildlife Sanctuary instead. They came and confirmed it was dead."

Gary Smith, 53, a Derby lorry driver who also runs an entertainment business called Gary's Reptile Experience is an expert on snakes and other reptiles.

Both he and Karen Baker, from Derbyshire company Exotic Pets UK, agreed the snake was a Burmese python.

Mr Smith said he believed the snake was most likely dead and then dumped in Ticknall.

He said some pet owners avoid taking dead reptiles to the vet as they can charge a fee to remove the body.

Exotic Pets UK urged pet owners to be responsible with deceased pets.

Ms Baker said: "If people are unable to care for them, they can contact local exotic pet shops or the new National Centre for Reptile Welfare."

Anybody looking for advice about looking after their reptile can do so by visiting https://www.facebook.com/National-Centre-for-Reptile-Welfare-245480066023316/

What are Burmese pythons

Burmese python's tend to be native to tropical Southern and Southeast Asia, and can often be found near water.

Their size on average, can grow up to 3.7 metres long but some examples have been known to reach an incredible 5.74 metres.

On a conservation level, they are a vulnerable breed of snake and are dark coloured with a number of brown patches down their backs.

Burmese pythons are mainly found in rain forests and are nocturnal. As they age they tend to move along the ground, but when young spend time in trees as well.

They eat a diet of mostly birds and smaller mammals.