RSPCA called to Beeston home after Leeds man finds four foot snake in bedroom

The unknowing resident was sleeping at his home in Beeston earlier this month when he was woken up by an unusual 'clinking' sound.

Using his phone as a torch, he scanned the pitch black room to find a four-foot snake climbing up his bedside table.

Kelvin, who discovered the snake, said: “I woke up to this strange clinking sound.

"I opened my eyes but it was pitch dark so I picked up my phone and scanned the room with the torch and as I was putting the torch down I saw the snake climbing up the table right next to my bed.

“I dived across the room and switched the light on and the snake was there, half on the floor and half on the table by my bed.”

Kelvin managed to contain the reptile in a breathable sleeping bag cover before an RSPCA inspector arrived to collect it.

Corn snakes are not native to Britain and it is likely that the snake was a lost or abandoned pet.

Although they are not venomous, corn snakes can bite and can grow up to 150cm long, so they require a large tank which matches their length to prevent escape.

RSPCA inspector Dave Holgate, who collected the snake, said: "Coming face to face with a snake is not what anyone expects to wake up to in the middle of the night and it must have been quite a fright!

"However, corn snakes aren't venomous and would only be expected to bite if they felt threatened.

"Luckily, the caller got in touch with the RSPCA and we were able to take the corn snake to a reptile specialist.

"At the moment, it isn’t clear where the snake has come from so if no owner comes forward the reptile will be rehomed.

“Corn snakes are not native to Britain, this means this snake is probably a lost or abandoned pet.

“Exotic pets like corn snakes have incredibly specialist needs and it can be challenging and expensive to meet these in captivity, this is why we would urge anyone considering an exotic pet to really consider whether they have the time, funds and resources needed to care for them properly.”

The Amel corn snake, which has been named Tango, is now in the care of a reptile specialist and the RSPCA says it is 'doing well'.

How to safely bring a corn snake home, according to the RSPCA

Always set up the vivarium and run it for a week before introducing your snake.

This will allow time for you to adjust the heating and lighting and add your enrichment without disturbing the snake.

Place the tub or bag containing the snake inside the vivarium and open it carefully to allow the snake to emerge.

Close the door securely and turn the lights off to reduce stress until the following morning when you can check on your snake.

It is best not to handle unnecessarily for the first week. Instead, allow time for your corn snake to become used to its environment.

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Laura Collins