If you're missing a four-foot long orange and white corn snake in New Westminster, the authorities would like a word with you.
New Westminster Police were called in to pick up the non-venomous serpent after city parks workers found it in Queen's Park on Sunday Aug. 21.
The officers managed to coax the snake into a large plastic container without harm to the snake or the officers.
New Westminster's animal control services held the snake overnight before transferring it to the Reptile Rescue, Adoption and Education Society, a non-profit in Richmond that takes in unwanted or stray snakes, lizards and turtles and adopts them out to new homes.
Val Lofvendahl, the society's founder, said it is highly unlikely the snake simply escaped and went to the park. More likely, she said, the snake became too big for its tank, too expensive to feed or too much trouble for its owner.
"Most likely they just dumped it at the park. They think snakes are fine in this weather, and they are, but they don't consider once we hit the end of September, it's too cold and (the snakes) will die," she said. "This time of year, there're a lot of strays - snakes, iguanas, bearded dragons. People just let them go."
If the snake actually is an escapee, the owner can claim it by contacting the society but they should be ready to show a photo of the snake as proof of ownership.
Lofvendahl said the snake seems to be healthy but has a number of scars that may have come from a cat or small rodent. She described the snake as "lovely to handle" and "not nervous at all."
If it goes unclaimed for 30 days, it will be put up for adoption. Corn snakes are generally known to have a mild temperament, making them popular for snake owners. They are native to the North American Southeast and are known to live near corn silos where they can feed on mice and rats.
To inquire about the snake or reptile adoption, email the society at rescued.reptiles@gmail.com.
Cutline: New Westminster Police were called in to pick up this four-foot long corn snake found slithering in the bushes at Queen's Park last Sunday.
Photo contributed/ THE RECORD
