ANIMAL experts are warning people to be vigilant after two men were seen apparently trying to dump a large snake in Bolton town centre.
The men, aged about 18, were spotted trying to offload the four-foot reptile over a fence at the junction of Folds Road and Bury New Road at about 11.15am yesterday.
Paula Connor, aged 43, reported the incident to the police and the RSPCA.
Mrs Connor, of Philips Avenue, Farnworth, was waiting at the traffic lights in Folds Road under the St Peter’s Way bridge when she saw the men carrying a large snake. It was pale brown with darker brown spots.
She said: “At first, I thought I was seeing things.”
Mrs Connor said the men dropped the snake on the ground, then picked it up again when they saw her looking at them. The RSPCA has now warned people to be on the lookout in case the snake is on the loose in the town centre.
Kathy Kay, of the RSPCA, said that the snake was unlikely to be poisonous or dangerous to humans, but some can eat small animals such as chicks and mice, and pet owners must be vigilant.
Larger snakes have been known to eat rabbits, cats and even small dogs.
Mrs Kay said: “There’s nothing we can do—we can’t go out looking for it — but people should be on the lookout.”
She added the snake was unlikely to survive long in the wild because of the cold weather.
Anyone who sees the snake can call the RSPCA emergency line on 0300 1234999.