A corn snake discovered near a Cwmbrân, Wales, primary school prompted an information appeal from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Cymru after the animal was found in a clear box left by a trash can, Wales 247 reported.
The orange and red snake was named Pumpkin.
Here's what to know
According to RSPCA Cymru, the discovery happened at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 16 on Michael Thacker Court.
Pumpkin was found in a box tucked inside a carrier bag beside a bin near a primary school; the box contained wood shavings and a log.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Kirsty Morgan said Pumpkin was taken for an evaluation.
"The female corn snake has been taken to an exotics vet where she was found to be well but cold and is now being temporarily boarded. Once enquiries are concluded, a long-term home will be found for her," Morgan said.
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The RSPCA said it was seeking firsthand information that could explain how Pumpkin was abandoned there.
More background
The appeal came a day after Reptile Awareness Day on Oct. 21.
The charity warned that exotic pets are often acquired before people fully understand their care requirements, only to be abandoned when that responsibility becomes harder than expected.
That creates risks not only for the animals themselves but also for people and pets in the places where they are left.
In this case, the corn snake was abandoned outside a school, where it could easily alarm anyone who may not know whether the animal is dangerous or native.
The organization said intentional releases can cause environmental harm because non-native species that survive outdoors can endanger local wildlife.
It added that allowing a species not native to the United Kingdom to escape or releasing one is against the law.
What can be done?
The RSPCA asked anyone with information about Pumpkin's abandonment to call its appeals line at 0300 123 8018 and to cite log 01926892.
People considering a reptile as a pet should first consult expert sources to learn the specific needs of that species.
People should not handle any suspected non-native snake but instead keep a safe distance, monitor the animal, and call the RSPCA helpline at 0300 1234 999.
"It does appear that she has been left next to a bin like a piece of rubbish, which is really heartbreaking," Morgan said. "... Exotic pets such as snakes often end up in the RSPCA's care after people realise they're not easy to care for, or the novelty wears off. Others are rescued after they have been abandoned or been released on purpose, which then could pose a risk to our native wildlife if they survived."
Where can I learn more?
Snake rescues across the U.K. underscore the same concerns raised by Pumpkin's abandonment in Cwmbrân.
• In England, rescuers found a baby corn snake in a grocery store bread aisle.
• Elsewhere, reptile experts removed a corn snake hitching a ride on a police patrol car.
• At a veterinary clinic, staff issued an urgent plea for help after an abandoned snake arrived.
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