A couple were given a fright when they discovered a snake poking out the end of their vacuum cleaner.
The couple found the little snake in their airing cupboard in Boroughbridge, York.
“They spotted the corn snake’s head under the door and were rather frightened about what kind of snake it might be,” said Animal Collection Officer Lucy Green.
“The man who called us initially thought his wife was playing a prank on him when he saw the snake’s head popping out from the airing cupboard. He said it looked like a realistic toy.
“I went along to collect the snake and when I arrived the snake was no longer in the airing cupboard – but had slithered inside the vacuum cleaner!
“Luckily, they weren’t using it at the time and he snuck inside just before I got there.
“It was quite a surprise to flip the head of the vacuum cleaner over and see the snake’s little orange head poking out!”
The non-venomous 2ft-long corn snake wasn’t injured, was in a good condition and was fine to be handled so it looks as though he has escaped from a loving home nearby.
“I knocked on several doors in the local area but couldn’t find an owner or anyone who knew where the snake had come from,” Lucy added.
“Perhaps he got out of his vivarium and decided to do some trick or treating for Halloween, or go and frighten some neighbours!
“He has now gone to an exotics specialist and, if not claimed within seven days, will be rehomed.
If anyone thinks they may know who this snake belongs to then call the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
