POLICE are trying to trace the owner of a 7ft snake that was found dumped in a Hampshire car park.
A shocked member of the public raised the alarm after discovering a Grey Rat Snake – similar to the one pictured left – at a New Forest beauty spot.
The exotic creature was rescued by the RSPCA, who say it would have died if it had remained out overnight.
Police are attempting to establish if the non-venomous snake was abandoned by its owner or dumped by thieves following a burglary.
It was found in the Crockford Clump car park beside the B3054 Lymington to Beaulieu road last Friday at 3.30pm.
The car park is some distance from the nearest homes, making it unlikely that the snake simply slithered there after escaping from its tank.
Grey Rat Snakes are usually found in southern parts of the US, where they are considered common and are not a protected species.
They defend themselves by raising their head as if they are about to strike.
However, experts say they are less likely to inflict a bite than many other snakes and any wounds rarely require more than a bandage.
Regarded as agile climbers, Grey Rat Snakes are equally at home on the ground and in the treetops. They feed on birds, rodents and lizards.
Anyone with information about the one found in the New Forest should contact PC Alison Tilbury at Hythe police station on 101.