Missing snake seen slithering in Canterbury near Royal Mail delivery office in Military Road

A snake has been spotted on the loose near Canterbury city centre.

The reptile was seen slithering along the pavement near Royal Mail’s delivery office in Military Road.

Residents had previously reported seeing an orange corn snake creeping through the city centre earlier this week in a local Facebook community group.

The most recent sighting was at about midday today, with a picture showing the creature on the move near the junction with Hudson Road.

Another picture of a corn snake was posted yesterday – also seen near the Royal Mail delivery office – but it is not known if it is the same one.

The RSPCA’s website states corn snakes can grow to up to about 4ft long.

They can live for about 10 to 15 years and although they are not venomous, all snakes may bite under stress or if they smell food.

Last month, snake owners were told to keep their pets securely contained during the heatwave as the hot weather makes them active and more likely to escape.

As temperatures exceeded 40C in some areas, the RSPCA said those with the exotic pets must be extra-vigilant.

Most exotic animals kept as pets are unlikely to be able to survive in the wild in Britain while non-native species could pose a serious threat to our native wildlife.

It’s illegal to release or to allow to escape, says the RSPCA, any species that are not normally native to the UK.

Earlier this week it was reported Kent’s prolonged dry spell could be set to continue this month raising further fears of an impending drought.

Despite weekend forecasts for tropical weather that would bring 29C temperatures and and rain for some areas – aside from a brief heavy shower on Sunday evening the country has continued to remain mostly dry.

In June, police were called to Brooklands Lake in Dartford to rescue a suspected corn snake officers believed had been dumped there, while earlier last month, a huge python was found on the road in Reculver near Herne Bay.

Two men wrestled the giant snake into a bag until officers and animal experts could help after they found the 7ft reptile basking in the sun on the tarmac.