Giant python 'Monty' could be sheltering from cold snap
A giant Burmese python spotted in a Northampton beauty spot could be evading capture by seeking refuge from the cold weather, experts have said.
The python – which has been dubbed Monty – was spotted by a dog walker in undergrowth in Lingswood on Tuesday morning, prompting police officers and RSPCA officials to patrol the area looking for the snake.
But despite an extensive search, the snake, which reports to the police claimed was about 12 foot long, remains in the wild.
Jane Pearman, reserves manager at the Wildlife Trust, based at Lingswood, said: "Because it's so cold at night it may well have curled up somewhere out of sight to try to keep warm. Despite the fact it's so big you wouldn't necessarily see it unless you were right on top of it.
"The nature reserve is 46 acres in size with woodland, scrub and acid grassland habitat. There would be many places a snake could be and it's likely it will not be moving any great distance."
Police are no nearer establishing how or why the snake managed to be in the park but wildlife experts believe it is likely to have been dumped by a previous owner when it grew out of control.
Mrs Pearman added: "Unfortunately these snakes do grow.
"We have CCTV cameras but we have no idea when it may have been dumped so it is a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack."
Anyone who sees Monty is advised to not approach him and call either the police or the RSPCA immediately on 0300 1234 999.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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