Police warn public ‘DO NOT approach’ as hunt continues for massive constrictor that could squeeze prey to death
An urgent manhunt is underway for a massive 18-foot python still roaming free in the Lincolnshire countryside after heartless owners dumped five of the giant snakes in rural areas.
Four of the exotic reticulated pythons have been captured by specialists, but Humberside Police believe one is still roaming free in the Twigmoor and Cleatham areas.
The dramatic discovery has sparked fears among residents as officers from Humberside Police’s Rural Task Force launched an investigation after the non-venomous constrictors were found dumped in the countryside, suspected to be abandoned pets.
‘Keep Dogs on Lead’ Warning
In a stark warning to the public, police are urging members of the public not to approach any snake they encounter and to immediately contact detectives with a precise location.
The force also advised residents to keep dogs on a lead and call them immediately if they see it.
The captured serpents paint a bizarre picture of exotic pet ownership gone wrong. The captured pythons included two albino snakes and what experts believe to be a Pied Golden Child Morph. The 18ft snake found near Manton was identified as a wild-type reticulated python.
Longest Snake on Earth
The scale of the threat was laid bare as experts confirmed that the reticulated python is the longest snake on earth. While non-venomous, these massive constrictors pose their own terrifying danger.
Reticulated pythons are the longest snake species on Earth and kill their prey through constriction, coiling around animals and squeezing them to death.
The snakes, native to South and Southeast Asia, kill their prey by biting it and coiling around it in a deadly embrace.
Criminal Investigation Launched
The reptiles were discovered across multiple locations in North Lincolnshire on June 10, with exotic animal experts assisting in their capture.
Police are now investigating the callous pet owners who abandoned the creatures. Potential offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which prohibits the release of non-native species into the wild, are being investigated.
The release of any animal that is not native to the United Kingdom is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning those responsible could face prosecution.
‘Less Likely to Attack Humans’
In a small mercy, officers believe the pythons were abandoned pets, making them less likely to bite humans than their wild counterparts.
The force said that these types of snakes would not attack people but would try to defend themselves if they felt threatened.
Desperate Plea to Pet Owners
In a passionate plea to irresponsible pet owners, the spokesman continued: “If you have a pet that you can no longer keep for whatever reason, please take it to an exotic animal shop or animal rescue. DO NOT release them into the wild”.
Police Hunt Continues
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Humberside Police Rural Task Force by emailing RTF@humberside.police.uk or calling 101, quoting investigation reference 25000081788.
What to Do If You See the Snake
Police have issued clear instructions for anyone who spots the missing python:
- Do not try to catch it yourself
- Keep an eye on it from a safe distance
- Give a What3Words location to police
- Call 999 immediately
- Keep all dogs on leads in the area
Exotic Pet Trade Gone Wrong
The discovery highlights the dark side of the exotic pet trade, where owners purchase impressive but dangerous animals without considering the long-term commitment required.
The force said that the snakes come in many colours in the pet trade, with these particular specimens including rare morphs that would have cost significant sums to purchase.
The abandoned snakes included:
- One 18ft wild-type reticulated python (still at large)
- Two albino pythons (captured)
- One suspected Pied Golden Child Morph (captured)
- One additional python (captured)
Rural Communities on Alert
The incident has put rural communities across North Lincolnshire on high alert, with residents warned to be vigilant when walking in countryside areas around Twigmoor, Cleatham and Manton.
As the search continues for the remaining massive serpent, the message from police is clear: these powerful predators may be non-venomous, but their ability to constrict and kill prey makes them a serious danger to pets and potentially small children.
The hunt for the 18-foot python continues as darkness falls across the Lincolnshire countryside, with specialist teams working around the clock to locate the massive reptile before it can cause harm.
