VOLUNTEERS at a Wiltshire wildlife rescue charity had the surprise of their lives when they discovered a dumped 8ft long snake.

It is believed the common red tailed boa constrictor was left during the early hours of Monday at Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital in Newton Tony, near Salisbury, on Monday.

“It took two people to lift it,” said wildlife care supervisor Marilyn Korkis, who described the snake as being the thickness of a thigh.

It was found inside a large plastic container with a note saying “Warning, live snake”.

At first Marilyn says she thought it was a joke when she was told about it by one of the volunteers until they carefully opened the box to see what was inside.

“I had the shock of my life, you don’t expect that sort of thing,” she admits.

“To get something that big is a bit out of the ordinary.

“Part of it was not knowing what sort of snake it was and what it was capable of,” she added.

“Give me a badger any day over a snake.”

The charity is more used to rescuing native wildlife species and taking in smaller animals like cats and dogs that have been left outside the gates rather than creatures of this size. Although smaller snakes like corn snakes have been taken in.

The box it had been left in had been secured with wire and tape to ensure it did not get loose and inside was a duvet cover.

“It was dehydrated but otherwise in a good condition. Clearly someone had dumped it,” said Marilyn.

“Don’t dump them, there are people out there that will take them for you,” she added.

“If you can’t cope, get help – there are people out there.”

The snake is now being looked after by volunteer Nigel Blood who said it was doing “really well”.

He is now looking for a new home for the snake, which is thought to weigh more than five stone.

The charity runs a rescue, care, rehabilitation and release service in and around Wiltshire and relies on donations. For information go to wildthingsres-q.org.uk