The latest snake was found by a passerby on a road in the forest on Saturday. The snake was picked up by an animal ambulance and taken to Stefan Sandinge, who also received the royal python that was caught in late July.
They are doing great. I do not think they have been out for a particularly long time, but since it is summer, they may have been out for a few weeks. They would not have survived the autumn and winter, he says.
According to Sandinge, the two live snakes were found in places just a few kilometers from each other. They are royal python snakes of the same size, around 140 centimeters, which may indicate that they may have been released at the same time, he says.
That there are three in the Varberg area is very unusual. The first one that was found in the spring was run over, so it is probably not related to the other two snakes, but that is speculation.
"Depressing"
Stefan Sandinge tells that he sometimes has to take care of reptiles on the loose, such as snakes or tortoises that escape from enclosures in gardens. He emphasizes that most owners are responsible, but it happens that reptiles are released.
It is depressing that people do not take responsibility for their animals, if that is what has happened. Then you should be aware that it is a few reptiles that are released per year, but many more cats and rabbits.
Releasing foreign species is prohibited and anyone who abandons or exposes animals to suffering can be convicted of animal cruelty. The police do not know what has happened in this case and there was no ongoing investigation on Saturday morning.
Want to find new homes
If you were to discover an exotic snake outdoors, Stefan Sandinge advises taking a photo of it to get help identifying the species and contacting the county administrative board or the police. He emphasizes that venomous snakes are rare as pets and that other snakes are harmless.
The second snake that was found has already been transferred to his ownership and now the county administrative board will decide what will happen to the third.
I try to find suitable families where I can rehome them. I do not think you should put down such animals, but I try to find a new home for them.
