AN EIGHT-foot long boa constrictor has been found in an allotment shed in Andover.

The animal welfare charity the RSPCA were contacted by a member of the public who made the unusual discovery on June 14.

It comes just weeks after a six foot long boa constrictor was found in Oslo Towers, Southampton.

READ: Boa constrictor found in Southampton tower block

Reptile experts at the charity are now looking after the snake until the owners can be found or it is given a new home.

RSPCA exotics officer Phil Hamilton, who rescued the snake, said: “It’s hard to know for sure how this snake came to be in the allotment but it must have been a surprise to find an eight foot boa constrictor in amongst the garden tools.

“The snake may have escaped from a vivarium or may have been abandoned. Sadly, the snake isn’t microchipped so we do not know where they may have come from.”

The RSPCA has said it is seeing a growing number of reptiles being abandoned, and a “worrying number” of boa constrictors coming into their centres because owners are no longer able to care for them.

Mr Hamilton added: “Many people do not realise what they are taking on when they buy these pets so we are urging prospective buyers to do their research before getting one, and make sure that you can provide everything that animal needs for the animal’s entire life.”

“If anyone thinks they may know who this snake belongs to then we would urge them to get in touch with us by calling our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”