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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Douglas Whitbread & David Clark

Brit panics as huge boa constrictor escapes and becomes wedged in MATTRESS

A snake lover needed fire crews to rescue his massive orange boa constrictor after it escaped and became wedged between his bedsprings.

Hilarious photos from the incident show the six-foot long boa reptile named Sid nestled within the base of a double mattress.

Luckily a team from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service (WYFRS) responded to the bizarre call-out and retrieved the runaway serpent without causing him any injury.

And the team’s technical rescue officer, Ronnie, couldn't resist posing for a selfie with the snake before handing him back to his thankful owner.

A spokesperson for the service said: “Animal rescues at WYFRS come in all shapes and Ssssss'sizes”

“Technical Rescue Officer Ronnie had a slippery situation to attend last week when Sid the boa constrictor escaped, and got stuck in his owner's bed springs!

Ronnie from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service helped retrieve the snake without it being injured (West Yorkshire FRS / SWNS)

“Luckily for Sid, Ronnie was up for the job and rescued the snake safely and even convinced him for a Sss'selfie.”

Those on social media were quick to voice their delight at the fire crew's actions along with their horror at the idea of finding a snake in the bottom of their bed.

One wrote: “Would love to join the Fire Service…..floods, fires famine, I think I could brave them. Ssssnakes though? Nope, think I’ll be a milk-person.”

Another shared their admiration for the rescuers, saying: “Wow!! Above and beyond!!!”

While a further social media user joked about the photo: “This is the moment you realise your boa is sizing you up for a nice meal.”

Snakes are more active in hot weather and escapes increase during the summer.

Last week photos captured the terrifying moment an 18ft-long python tried to get into a house through an open bedroom window near Southampton.

The "very dangerous" 38kg snake was spotted by neighbours as it slithered across a roof before forcing its way through the upstairs window.

Worried residents inside managed to use a broom handle to fight off the albino Burmese Python, poking it back out before it fell 20ft onto the bonnet of a car below, landing with an "almighty thud".

A neighbour then looked after the huge serpent in her conservatory until it woke up.

RSPCA scientific officer, Evie Button, said: "Snakes are excellent escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid to make a break for it.

"Last year, we took over 1,200 reports about snakes, with the highest number of calls coming during the summer months.

"Snakes become more active during hot weather. So we would urge all pet snake owners to be extra vigilant at this time of year, invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and make sure that enclosure is kept secure - and locked if necessary - when unattended.

"The RSPCA urges prospective owners of reptiles such as snakes to thoroughly research the needs of the particular species and what is required in the care of the animal, using expert sources.

"People should only consider keeping a snake if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for these needs."

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