GAZETTE & HERALD (Ryedale, UK) 16 July 07 Hunt for missing snake (Lynn Brown)
Snakes alive... a 3ft long pet snake called Gina has made a bid for freedom in Malton.
A week ago the orange, yellow and red creature slipped between the glass of her new tank and owner Emily Howden has turned their home in Rowan Avenue, Peasey Hill, upside down looking for the wayward reptile.
"We have looked high and low and the only thing we can do next is pull the floorboards up," said the 28-year-old.
"Since we found her missing a week ago my two children are devastated and I have called the police, RSPCA, pet shop and everybody I know.
"We came downstairs to find the doors to her vivarium shut but there was a small crack between two planes of glass. She must have squeezed her way through them.
"We think Gina could be hiding in somewhere warm and dark. We hope that she's alright - she's such a lovely snake with beautiful red eyes we don't want anything to happen to her."
The family bought the unusual pet from Leaping Lizards pet shop in York to join their menagerie of pets which include a dog, two cats, ferrets and lizards.
She added: "If anybody finds her don't panic. She is really gentle and friendly. Put something like a blanket over her and I will come immediately to collect her."
If anybody does find the snake, which is non-poisonous, contact Emily on 01653 696945.
Amelanistic corn snakes are also known as red albino corn snakes because of their red, orange, yellow, and white colouring They are non-poisonous and suffocate their prey by wrapping their body around it.
Corn snakes of all types are generally docile and make excellent pets.
They can grow up to 6ft when fully grown and they can live up to 20 years.
They are found throughout the south-eastern and central United States as well as parts of Mexico.
The name 'corn snake' refers to the splotched pattern on its belly, which resembles Indian maize. Some, however, believe it is because they are often found in corn fields where they search for rodent prey.
Hunt for missing snake