A reptile rescue centre is trying to find the owner of a snake, which has been discovered in the north of the island.

The albino king snake was found by a surprised householder in Sulby last week.

It has since been cared for by Vannin Reptilia, the reptile section of the Manx Animal Rescue Centre, where it is in quarantine to ensure that if it has any illnesses or infections, they are not spread to the other animals.

Dave Kelly of Vannin Reptilia told the Examiner & Independent that he would be surprised if the snake had been abandoned as she had been well looked after and had a friendly and tame nature.

He said that it was likely the snake had come from somewhere near to where she was found.

’Due to the temperature, she wouldn’t have gone far to find somewhere warm to stay,’ Dave added.

Aged between two and three, the snake is currently about two foot in length, but can grow up to between six and eight feet long as she matures.

Dave said that the king snake was easy to look after and was a sociable creature.

He addedd: ’She is currently in quarantine, which is just because we don’t know her background. We want to ensure nothing can be passed on to the other reptiles but she seems healthy.

’Come mid-January, if we haven’t found her owner, then she’ll be found a new home to go to. I’ve got rescue snakes coming in at the end of January too so if people are looking to adopt a snake, they should contact us through Facebook or on 253202 but we won’t re-home animals now this close to Christmas, it will be in the new year.’

As well as taking in and rehoming reptiles, the centre also provides information and training for caring for the animals.