People have been warned to keep an eye on small pets after reports of a 6ft black snake at large in gardens.
Worried residents of Shetland Road, in Belgrave, Leicester, have also been advised to keep windows and doors closed as the reptile could try to get into homes in a bid to keep warm.
Some residents have sprinkled flour on their patios to track the path of the snake, which has left long tracks winding across lawns.
One has put up a scarecrow to try to keep the creature, thought to be a “harmless” Mexican Black Kingsnake, at bay.
Suveena Bali, 19, who lives in Shetland Road, saw the snake on Saturday, March 6, and reported it to the RSPCA.
“It was in my garden and I saw it slithering through the fence at the bottom,” she said.
“I ran upstairs to see if I could get a better look but by the time I got to the bedroom window, it was gone.
“I told the RSPCA and they told me to capture it and then ring them.
“I’m not going anywhere near it.”
Rahul Samplay, 30, also of Shetland Road, has been sprinkling flour to track the route of the snake after spotting it on Saturday. He also reported it to the RSPCA.
“I want to know if it’s coming up to the house,” he said.
“It’s quite scary to think that a 6ft snake is slithering around in your garden.
“The RSPCA told us to keep our doors and windows locked as well because it can climb.
“My little sister is terrified of going to the toilet now in case it comes up out of the U-bend.”
Dave Cook, owner of pet shop Scales and Tails, in Burleigh Avenue, Wigston, said from the description it might be a Mexican Black Kingsnake.
“They’re completely harmless, and if it is the Mexican Black then he’s an escaped pet,” he said. “The number-one name for snakes is Houdini – they’ll get out of anywhere.”
An RSPCA spokesman said the charity did not have the manpower to search for the reptile, but would take it away if it was confined.
He warned residents to “keep an eye” on any small pets, such as kittens and rabbits, which could be targeted by the hungry snake.
Andy Moore, manager of Pets at Twycross Zoo, advised people not to handle the snake because they can carry salmonella.
The RSPCA’s emergency hotline can be reached by calling 0300 1234 999.