Photo of snake at L'ancresse?

Friday 27 July 2018

A photo has emerged of what looks to be a snake taken by a dog walker at L'ancresse common, who has promised to pass on details of the sighting to GSPCA.

It is not yet clear if the image is a snake or a fake as various hoax photos and calls have been made in relation to possible sightings since it was first reported that a snake was seen in the area.

If the image is found to be accurate it would appear that the reptile they are looking for is a python of some kind, larger specimens usually eat animals about the size of a house cat, so perhaps the snake may be dining out on rabbit given its location.

Advice received suggests it is highly unlikely that such a snake would pose a threat to either dogs or humans. However, Guernsey Police have strongly urged people against visiting the area in an attempt to locate the snake. Anyone doing so could make circumstances harder for the trained teams trying to find it.

John Knight, President of the GSPCA and a vet who also specialises in exotic animals have been out looking for the snake this week and they have additional equipment in the search as they are using heat detectors and additional wildlife cameras which are movement activated like those used by BBC wildlife.

The image first appeared on a Guernsey Facebook page but the photographer took the post down shortly afterwards because he said he was receiving too many notifications due to the interest in it. He has been asked to pass the image and details of the sighting, which he said was at around 22.00 on Wednesday 25 July, onto the GSPCA. They will then assess the validity of the sighting.

Pictured: The image taken at L'ancresse

Steve Byrne, manager of GSPCA said: "It is very difficult to comment without having spoken to the photographers. With the quality of the picture and lack of detail at this time I wouldn't like to comment on the pictures."

Pictured: A further image showing the location, possible snake circled

He continued: "We have had a number of hoax pictures sent through via third parties and would like to speak to anyone directly who thinks they have seen or photographed a snake. The search continues and our President John Knight is searching this week and we have additional equipment to use in the search. We continue to appeal to the public for photos and to contact us on 257261 immediately with any sightings so we can check the area.

In other 'snake' news this week the GSPCA had to rescue a very large albino snake from just around the corner from the GSPCA. Geoff George GSPCA Animal Collection Officer was dispatched to a location close to Guernsey Dairy to find a five foot long albino corn snake. The snake was hiding behind some boards and thankfully due to his experience with snakes the reptile was quickly caught and is now safe at the GSPCA.

The GSPCA are appealing to anyone that has lost their albino corn snake to please call the Shelter on 257261 or to pop in to the GSPCA in St Andrews.

Mr Byrne GSPCA Manager said: "It was quite a surprise when I saw Geoff with a five foot albino corn snake. The snake has been called ‘Bailiff’ and seems very well and is housed in one of our vivariums at the GSPCA. We are appealing for anyone that has lost their snake to please get in touch and please call 257261.”

He continued: “As a stray Bailiff will be held at the GSPCA for 21 days and if not claimed we will then look to find the snake a new home like the many other reptiles in our care. At the GSPCA we have seen a huge increase in the last few years of reptiles,  from those being cruelly treated to strays. Also in the last month or so we have had a stray bearded dragon found in Cobo and a stray snake found in St Peter Port which was only a young corn snake."

“Where as a few years ago we would normally see 2 or 3 lizards or snakes we have seen over 30 a year in the last two years at the GSPCA. You have to think long and hard before you take on a reptile as they really do need specialised care and some like tortoise may even out live you. We do have a number in need of homes at the GSPCA but none as large as the stray that has been reported on L’Ancresse common.”

Pictured: Geoff George with Bailiff