THE SNAKE that was found in Test Valley last week has been rehomed.

A Burmese python was found on August 11 at around 11pm in Lee Lane, near Lee.

The metre-long python was believed to be around 18 months old.

John Searle, a 58-year-old who lives near Woodley, Romsey, said: "It has been rehomed to a club member of the Portsmouth Reptile and Amphibian Society.

"They keep very large snakes."

John has been part of the reptile society for 20 years.

He explained the moment he found the snake: "I was with my wife Angie when she went to get the snake after a man called Glenn put a message on Romsey News and Information Group saying the python was on the road.

"We looked at the picture and said straight away it was a Burmese python."

John added: "We knew its health was a problem and we did not know how long it would stay in the area and we knew it would not survive. We were surprised it was there, but it was so cold that the snake probably couldn't move."

The reptile society has around 100 members and provides a platform for education and conservation of a group of animals.

A spokesperson from the RSPCA said: "If anyone finds a snake they believe is non-native the RSPCA’s advice is to keep a safe distance, monitor the snake and call the charity’s helpline on 0300 1234 999.

"Exotic pets such as snakes often end up in the RSPCA’s care after people realise they're not easy to care for, or the novelty wears off.

"Others are rescued after they have been abandoned, escaped or been released on purpose, which then could be a risk to our native wildlife."

They added: "Many of the snakes the RSPCA’s officers are called to collect are thought to be escaped pets.

"The RSPCA would always recommend owners invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and that the enclosure is kept secure (and locked if necessary) when unattended.

"The animal welfare charity collects more snakes over the summer months. It is possible that some of these are escapees becoming more active in warmer weather."

For more information on what to consider before adopting a snake, visit the RSPCA’s website: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/other.