FAMILIES have been warned to take care after a boa constrictor was spotted in a couple’s garden shed last week.
Ros Waxler, of Strafford Avenue in Barkingside, spotted the 10ft snake in her back garden on Friday, August 19.
She was doing some gardening when she spotted the snake on a shelf in her shed at the back of her property.
After informing her husband, Howard, a shocked and tearful Mrs Waxler called the RSPCA to come and collect the serpent.
However, it managed to evade capture by using its power to wriggle free from the animal welfare charity’s officer and escape through a gap in the back of the shed.
The RSPCA believes that, rather than roaming the residential neighbourhood, the cold-blooded animal may have found its way home now as the weather turns chillier.
Boa contrictors are normally found in North, Central and South America.
A council statement read: "While snakes are not normally dangerous, residents are asked to take care and, if they see a large snake, it should be reported to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999."
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