A THREE feet long royal python was found asleep in a building site having gone on the run (or slither) from its home.

The snake was discovered by workmen at a building site off Brooklands Road, Manningtree, curled up under plastic beside the boundary fencing.

RSPCA inspector Adam Jones, who went to the site of the new development to rescue the animal, said snakes are talented escape artists and he believes the python may have escaped from its home.

He said: “Workers have been flattening the land and started foundations for the building and the snake has somehow slithered onto the land and was hiding under some plastic.

“Snakes will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door or a loose-fitting lid, so we advise owners to ensure vivariums are kept secure and locked, if necessary, to prevent accidental escape.

“The charity’s officers have been called to snakes who have been found in lots of unusual places including in vacuum cleaners, ovens and kitchen drawers.”

The RSPCA collects more snakes over the summer months and it is possible some of these are escapees becoming more active in warmer weather.

A spokesman said it is also possible this could be due to snakes having more opportunity to escape, if owners take them outside to take advantage of the natural sunlight.

The charity has recommended owners should have snakes microchipped when possible so they can be reunited should the pets go missing.

The python is now being looked after at a rescue centre after it was rescued last Friday.

The RSPCA hopes the snake can be reunited with its owner.

Anyone who believes this snake may belong to them should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

For more information about the care of royal pythons visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/other/royalpython.