The 10ft python was rescued from the tree
A 10ft python who was on the loose in the UK was saved from a tree by firefighters and an RSPCA officer.
Firefighters and RSPCA officer Justin Stubbs were alerted to the scene in Cambridgeshire on Friday after a sighting of the snake slithering across the road.
The rescue mission saw the team remove tree branches until they could cut down the branch the escaped reptile was on and let the creature fall into a tarpaulin.
Mr Stubbs said: “I really could not believe it when I got there and saw this huge snake all the way up in the tree – it was a scene a bit reminiscent of The Jungle Book.
“When I saw the snake so high up in the branches I knew it was going to be tricky to get him down due to the height the snake had climbed to, difficulty gaining access to him, and the need for more people given the size of the snake.
“I contacted Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and they kindly came out to help me.”
The snake was given a health check up by a local specialist.
RSPCA attempted to hunt down the owner of the python.
Mr Stubbs said the snake may have been loose for some time given the scaly creature was “cold and a little underweight”.
He said: “Unfortunately, this sort of thing isn’t unusual and we receive thousands of calls a year relating to reptiles, like snakes and lizards, who have either escaped or many of which have been abandoned by their owners.
“Sadly snakes often also end up in our care as some owners don’t realise the commitment that is involved in meeting the needs of these animals and keeping them healthy.
“This is why we’re always saying that people should do their research before taking on a pet.”
