To think this cannot be legal...

[user1481143387]

DS1 13 months would not go to sleep tonight so DP took him in the pushchair for a walk. He came across an absolutely massive snake in the park. Someone had let him out of a large tank apparently (not in the pic). Lots of bystanders taking pics. I know people can have these in their homes, but in public??? Cannot be legal right?

I'm a regular but name changed as I knew people would ask where this was and obviously telling the location could be outing. This is in Roberts Park, Saltaire, West Yorkshire.

This is for real.

WTF?!!!!

There's a saying - red next to yellow, bite a fellow, red next to black, venom lack.

Kursk & Steff - Excellent saying - I've never had a need for it before now, but I'll remember it now

@steff13 you haven't come across a red-bellied black snake then..

It's a remote controlled one! The bloody owner is holding the remote!

You fools!!!!

I take my snake into the back garden when it’s hot for a bit of natural UV however we keep it to 10 minutes or so. No need for a responsible snake owner to do this, the snake is probably looking for cover they are generally wimps who like to stay hidden.

It's either a Reticulated python or a Burmese python. A captive bred albino (or similar) type colour variation.

Nothing aggressive there, looks like she's just 'walking' or basking/sunbathing.

If she was aggressive the owner would have had a bloody hard time getting her out of the tank! Trust me, a large snake that doesn't want to move just won't And it definitely wouldn't be possible to take it to the park.

Most snakes in captivity aren't nasty like everybody thinks they are. Books/stories/public opinion etc have done a good job of demonising them.

When handled from a young age they are generally very docile around people/dogs. They can be picked up/sit on your lap/stroked on head etc.

It's still irresponsible to take snakes to the park though imo. Just seems a bit attention seeking.

From what I can see of the markings, it looks like an albino reticulated python (or possibly a burm, but more likely a retic).

Perfectly legal to have out in public.

Ah, cross post Hilltoptea!

As you said, a bit attention seeking. I love mine, but certainly wouldn't be taking my burm to the local park. More grief than it would be worth!

@CrowBagDad I was thinking more likely retic too.

I know! Can you imagine how knackered you'd be lugging that thing all the way to the park

Eeeeewwws

Just catching up here

@Hilltoptea I'm inclined to agree

@FrangipaniBlue how fast does your tortoise walk? I mean do you get very far? 😂😂

@user49er I did wonder if he was a regular but it's the first time I've heard/come across this since we moved here 2.5 years ago. I guess we don't normally go to the park at 8:30/9pm though.... so strange!

@CatOwned Gorgeous snake! California king?

Really sorry to everyone that has a phobia. I didn't even think to put a warning. Hope everyone slept ok.

I'm sure she's not "dangerous" or wouldn't be taken out. But this is just really odd. Also, even if unlikely to attack, it's just so bloody big!!! As others have said, how do you have it under control? Does it have a reliable recall? 😂😂

It's really cruel to keep snakes as pets. They are not meant to be sat in a tank all day and it's actually pretty depressing to think of the poor thing having a taste of freedom at the park and then shut away again when it's time to go home.

Now. This is the horror I feel when I'm at the park and I see all those dogs off-lead and their owners letting them do wherever they like. I'd like to make that illegal.

I'd much rather see a massive snake (that has most likely been fed before coming out) enjoying the grass with it's owner, going about their business.

So do you just call a snake back when you're done at the park? Or is it more of a chase it and drag it back to the car situation 🤷🏻‍♀️

Keeping snakes as pets should be illegal as most people don’t have the expertise necessary to keep them properly.

I’m not a fan of snakes as in I wouldn’t want to stroke or cuddle one, but it’s worth remembering that they’re usually far more afraid of you than you are of them so out and about would generally keep their distance and are unlikely to attack unless cornered.

Ddog cries when he sees an earthworm on the path and won't go past until I move it his reaction to the snake would have been priceless

Makes the time I saw people walking ferrets in some other local woodland seem rather tame

Lol. I was driving through town the other day and had to stop at pedestrian lights. A woman walked across pushing what looked like a small shopping trolley ... with 2 ferrets peeping over the edge of the basket. I was so gobsmacked (and amused) that I didn't notice the lights changing.

We also have a guy who walks through town with a Harris hawk on his arm, and his Brittany spaniel trotting alongside. He takes the hawk hunting on the downs, and the spaniel flushes out rabbits and stuff for the bird.

Oh my word I live a 5 minute walk away from this park I hope this doesn't happen again when I'm about or I'll shit my kecks.

There are two people sitting on the ground behind the tree. That looks like a big bugger just to be with the man standing up. I’d be concerned if it decided it didn’t want to go home.

They're very strict about dogs being on leads in that park, I wonder if the wardens would fine the owner for the snake not being on one!

That looks like a Burmese python and if it's well fed and cared for it's not going to harm anyone. It's probably just have a good stretch with the heat as it is

Beautiful snake