Landlord rescues snake from cellar

Mar 16 2012

A "quick-thinking" landlord has rescued a snake found in the cellar of his pub.

The licensee of the Montague Bar in Edinburgh thought the reptile was a joke plastic snake when he first spotted it. However, having realised that it was alive he captured it in a box and called in the Scottish SPCA.

The corn snake, now named Monty, is being cared for at the charity's Edinburgh and Lothians animal rescue and rehoming centre at Balerno.

It is thought he may have escaped from his home, though it is also possible that the reptile may have been abandoned.

Animal rescue officer Steph Grant said: "Monty was extremely cold and is thin, so could have been straying for a while. Snakes need heat and can't survive for long in the cold, and it's very lucky Monty was contained by the quick-thinking landlord so we could help.

"Corn snakes are popular pets so it's likely someone is missing Monty, although we can't rule out the possibility of abandonment. The man who found Monty didn't seem fazed at all and said he originally thought someone had left a plastic snake in his cellar as a joke."

Mr Grant said he spoke to people in flats above the pub after finding the snake on March 14 but they did not recognise Monty, although they said someone had recently moved.

The charity is keen to hear from the person who moved from the building, in St Leonard's Street.

He added: "We're just glad we were able to rescue this possible escapee and our main priority now is to ensure Monty remains nice and warm and gains some weight.

"If no-one comes forward, we'll be looking to find Monty a knowledgeable new owner."