LONDONDERRY SENTINEL (UK) 10 September 08 Snake's alive! - (or so its owner hopes)
An anxious Londonderry snake owner is asking the public to keep their eyes open for his pet after it escaped from its tank.
Maisy, a one-year-old Snow corn snake measuring three and a half feet, has not been seen since apparently slipping out of its glass tank on August 29.
Owner Gareth Mellon, part of the Sentinel's advertising team, has searched both inside and around the exterior of his Avondale Avenue home for the snake since its disappearance but to no avail
He said Maisie, who lives on a diet of dead mice, could have slipped out of her tank after the water had been replaced. The pet owner said he was now fearing the worst.
"She needs a dry and warm environment and has not eaten now for almost two weeks," he said.
"We keep hoping we will find her wrapped around a radiator or hiding in the airing cupboard but the longer she is missing the more we think a bird may have got her."
He said both he and son Jack, were growing increasingly anxious for any information about Maisy.
Reptile expert Andrew McDonald, owner of Furless Friends on Carlisle Road, said the corn snake poses no threat to public safety.
"There is no need for anyone to be alarmed, corn snakes are absolutely harmless to the public and to pets," he said. "If they escape they generally will stay around the house because of the heat and warmth."
He said it was still quite possible Maisy will turn up safe and well.
"Corn snakes originate from North America and can go into hibernation mode," he said. "It is not unknown for corn snakes to survive for up to six months without feeding."
Anyone who may have seen Maisy is asked to contact Gareth at the Sentinel office on 71348889.
Snake's alive! - (or so its owner hopes)