The manager of a wildlife centre is warning people not to panic if they encounter a stolen nine-foot snake they describe as “dangerous but placid”.

The boa constrictor, was seized after a hole was cut in the window of a reptile house at the Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre in Heckmondwike.

Staff are uncertain as to whether the reptile is on the loose.

The snake disappeared following the night-time break-in. Manager Lisa Bownes said staff carried out a fruitless hunt of the grounds in the hope it had slithered off.

She believed the thieves had seen the reptile beforehand: “It has a habit of sunbathing on the windowsill and lying there. Anyone who had been here would know that.

“It’s not a really valuable snake. It’s worth £100, if that. We have other animals that are worth more.

“We don’t know for sure whether it has been taken or if they broke in so it could get out but a nine-foot snake needs to be kept warm. If the weather changes, it won’t survive.

“It’s really gentle but boas can be dangerous. A snake that size could eat wild pigs and all sorts. We feed it dead animals so it is not conditioned to bite into anything living. Snakes can go a long time, months even, without food.

“We would like it returning. If you don’t know what you’re doing with it, it’s going to die fairly quickly.

“If anyone comes across it, leave it alone, don’t panic and call the police.”

  • Anyone with any information about the snake’s whereabouts or the raid, which occurred between 6.30pm on Monday and 8.30am on Tuesday, should contact PC Chris Porritt at Dewsbury Police Station via 0845 6060606.