THE JOURNAL (Newcastle, UK) 01 March 08 Missing snake under the bed (Dan Warburton)
A missing boa constrictor that sparked a mass search has re-emerged – from under the owner’s bed.
Shakira, a 5ft Colombian rainbow boa constrictor, went missing from its tank on the seventh floor of St Anthony’s House in Walker, Newcastle, on Wednesday February 12.
Police went from door-to-door to reassure neighbours that the renegade reptile was on the loose but not a danger.
But after all the residents inside St Anthony’s House were put on high alert for the missing two-year-old snake, it re-appeared under owner Gary Hickson’s bed yesterday. Mr Hickson, 21, lives with his girlfriend Kayley Carter, 20, in their flat inside the building in Walker.
And last night he was relieved to see his second love – his pet snake.
He said: “I’m so pleased she’s back. I’m quite surprised too, she’s just a house snake.
“Kayley was in bed and she said she heard some rustling under the bed.
“I thought she was joking, but she kept on and eventually I took a look and there she was.
“I don’t know how she got there, because we gutted all the rooms, but she’s obviously moved around and we have missed her.”
Shakira has been on the loose for more than two weeks, and the owners had all but given up hope of her return.
Mr Hickson said: “She’s a little poorly and she’s a bit snappy because obviously she’s been out and about and she hasn’t had contact with any people.
“She hasn’t eaten for a while so she’s a bit skinny, too, and a bit pale.
“But everyone I’ve seen says they are relieved she is back.”
The snake was bought as a Christmas present for Mr Hickson, who works at BT Vision in Longbenton.
Missing snake under the bed