Menu
19/06/2009
Second Irish Snake Alert
A search is underway for a snake that was stolen in Dublin today.
As a Co Antrim woman described how she was shocked to find an 18-inch snake in her Ballymoney home last week, gardaí at Fitzgibbon Street are appealing to the public in relation to a second snake that has slithered off after a Dublin burglary.
It occurred in the North Strand area between 8.15am and 5.45pm yesterday, Thursday.
During the course of the burglary a 'Bull Snake' was taken or may have escaped, said police.
This reptile is not said to be venomous. However, if cornered it will strike out to defend itself and may cause injury.
It is described as green in colour with black spots on its back and approximately 3ft in length.
Meanwhile, Joanne Woods, 20, who came face-to-face with the black and yellow snake at her flat in Ballymoney last week has been describing the ordeal.
She opened her top drawer for a spoon but instead nearly reached for the mice-eating Californian King snake, (such as that pictured above) which can grow up to four feet in length.
"I ran out and the snake and drawer fell onto the floor," she said and rang the USPCA and Ballymoney Council but neither were willing to come to her aid.
She then contacted the police, but had to keep an eye on her unwelcome guest for over an hour until they arrived.
"By this stage we had pulled the snake and drawer into the living room and it just sat curled in a ball," she said.
"When the police arrived they said they had never seen anything like it. The vet came in a while later and just picked it up," she explained, noting that the vet thought it was a young snake.
"Who knows if its mother is also here or if there are others which have escaped," she said. "I am a bit worried about it. I got a real scare."
Keith Laughlin, a vet at Riada, told the BBC he was surprised no-one had come forward to collect the reptile.
"It is in good condition and has obviously been looked after so I would have expected someone to claim it by now," he said.
(BMcc)
As a Co Antrim woman described how she was shocked to find an 18-inch snake in her Ballymoney home last week, gardaí at Fitzgibbon Street are appealing to the public in relation to a second snake that has slithered off after a Dublin burglary.
It occurred in the North Strand area between 8.15am and 5.45pm yesterday, Thursday.
During the course of the burglary a 'Bull Snake' was taken or may have escaped, said police.
This reptile is not said to be venomous. However, if cornered it will strike out to defend itself and may cause injury.
It is described as green in colour with black spots on its back and approximately 3ft in length.
Meanwhile, Joanne Woods, 20, who came face-to-face with the black and yellow snake at her flat in Ballymoney last week has been describing the ordeal.
She opened her top drawer for a spoon but instead nearly reached for the mice-eating Californian King snake, (such as that pictured above) which can grow up to four feet in length.
"I ran out and the snake and drawer fell onto the floor," she said and rang the USPCA and Ballymoney Council but neither were willing to come to her aid.
She then contacted the police, but had to keep an eye on her unwelcome guest for over an hour until they arrived.
"By this stage we had pulled the snake and drawer into the living room and it just sat curled in a ball," she said.
"When the police arrived they said they had never seen anything like it. The vet came in a while later and just picked it up," she explained, noting that the vet thought it was a young snake.
"Who knows if its mother is also here or if there are others which have escaped," she said. "I am a bit worried about it. I got a real scare."
Keith Laughlin, a vet at Riada, told the BBC he was surprised no-one had come forward to collect the reptile.
"It is in good condition and has obviously been looked after so I would have expected someone to claim it by now," he said.
(BMcc)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
18 November 2024
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
18 November 2024
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
