Boa constrictor sighting sparks alert at Yorkshire beauty spot

VISITORS to a Yorkshire beauty spot are being urged to keep their dogs on a lead after a suspected sighting of a pet boa constrictor.

By The Newsroom

Published 20th Jun 2012, 17:02 BST

The snake, which is believed to be someone’s pet, was spotted on Saturday at Swinsty Reservoir near Harrogate.

Otley man Ed Ryder spotted the snake, which he first thought was a large adder, while walking around the site with his girlfriend.

He said: “I’m not fond of snakes at all.

“I enjoy running around Swinsty and I have been wondering how to get me speed up - I don’t have to worry now.”

Geoff Lomas, site manager for Yorkshire Water, said: “Over the years we’ve discovered a number of escaped or unwanted exotic pets but never an exotic snake.”

North Yorkshire Police, the RSPCA and Yorkshire Naturalist Union have been informed of the sighting.

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 555.