People in Kent have been told to keep their doors and windows shut after a boa constrictor escaped from a home.

The 6ft (1.8m) snake, which is brown with black markings, went missing from a property in Tappen Drive, St Mary's Island, in Medway on Sunday evening.

Kent Police think the reptile could be on the look out for somewhere warm and damp to hide, as it had been fed before it disappeared.

Officers urged anyone who spotted the snake to call police immediately.
Insp Dave Coleman said: "At the moment we are seeking advice from zoos, particularly how the public should respond to any sightings.

"Keep windows and doors closed, and small animals in the house if possible.

"We have been advised that 6ft is not large for a boa constrictor, however do not touch it or attempt to pick it up by the tail as these snakes do bite."

He added: "We believe that the snake will be looking for a damp, dark and warm location, and as it had been recently fed it will be fairly lethargic.
"They are also excellent swimmers."

The 6ft-long boa constrictor escaped from a house on Sunday evening



Source BBC News Online: BBC NEWS | England | Kent | Alert as snake escapes from home

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bit OTT

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I thought that too Ssam, mind you some people think snakes are the devil so you can see why an extreme warning has came out.

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There's a 30 minute debate on keeping exotics on the Jeremy Vine show on shortly on Radio 2 inspired by this story.