A woman near Dartford got a fright when she popped into the garden to hang her washing up and stumbled upon a six foot long snake.

The large boa constrictor was spotted on Wednesday by a shocked householder in Dale Road, Crayford while attending the clothes line.

Watch: Boa on the loose near Dartford

Without hesitation she scooped up her pet cat into her arms and fled back inside to call for help.

An RSPCA inspector arrived shortly after to find the snake had slithered his way from the shed to the middle of the lawn.

It is believed the South American serpent was attempting to soak up some of the sun's rays as it found itself out of its comfort zone in the chilly air.

RSPCA Inspector Rosie Russon said: “When we arrived, the snake had slithered from near the shed to the middle of the lawn, where we imagine he was trying to warm up by soaking up the sun.

"But although it was sunny, it was still very cold, so he was quite sluggish and my colleague, Inspector Rosie Wren, and I were able to safely contain him in a snake bag."

The team took the boa to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital where they examined him.

Fortunately, he appeared to be in a good condition but the circumstances leading to his capture have led the animal experts to believe he may have been abandoned.

Rosie added: “While it’s not unusual for snakes to escape in the summer months, because some keepers let their pets outside for a bit of sun and fresh air, it’s less common at this time of year.

"This suggests to us that this snake may have been abandoned by its owner."

She went onto explain sadly dealing with a lot abandoned snakes is not uncommon in her profession.

"We find that many people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are when they take them on, which we believe may be why we are rescuing hundreds of reptiles every year," she said.

“Snakes are completely dependent on their owners for the correct accommodation, heating, lighting and feed, all of which must replicate their wild habitat as closely as possible to keep them healthy and allow them to express their normal behaviour.

"Without proper care they can suffer from serious diseases, dehydration, injuries, parasites, and in severe cases or if left untreated, they can eventually die.

“We would urge anyone who is struggling to cope with their pets to contact their local vet or rescue centre and ask for help."

Many of the snakes the RSPCA’s officers are called to collect are thought to be escaped pets.

'We would urge anyone who is struggling to cope with their pets to contact their local vet or rescue centre and ask for help...'

The animal charity recommend owners invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and that the enclosure is kept secure and locked if necessary when unattended.

Reptiles, particularly snakes, can be extremely good escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid.

It is possible to microchip snakes and the RSPCA would recommend that owners ask their exotics vet to do this, so that snakes can be easily reunited if lost and found.

The RSPCA would like find out more about this particular serpent and have urged anyone with information to contact them on 0300 123 0818.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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