A mousetrap caught something rather larger than intended in a London street: a snake native to the US.
The three-foot, pink reptile was unable to escape after slithering into the device in Poplar.
RSPCA officers were called to rescue the animal, which was identified as a corn snake.
Joe White, who responded to the call from a member of the public, said: “The poor snake could barely move and was well and truly stuck.”
He said the creature had a cut where he had tried to escape the clamp but appeared otherwise unhurt.
“Sadly, we do see lots of snakes getting themselves into slippery situations and it can be a shock to see a snake in the street, especially in the middle of London, so we always appreciate when people report an animal in need to us,” he added.
After being rescued from the trap on 8 September, the RSPCA has been unable to find the creature's owner. It remains unclear whether it was abandoned deliberately or a pet that had escaped from someone’s home.
It is not the first time this year a snake has caused a stir in the capital. Last month, a boa constrictor was filmed eating a pigeon in Leytonstone.
The RSPCA also rescued that animal and later said it believed the bird was already dead when the snake started to devour it.
