As police search for potentially lethal reticulated pythons left in the countryside, careless exotic pet owners have unleashed danger in Lincolnshire. In rural areas where families and pets might have come into contact with them, four enormous constrictors—including uncommon morphs and an 18-foot specimen—have already been caught. Just as British authorities are currently dealing with a complicated wildlife investigation, this unsettling case demonstrates how lax exotic animal ownership laws can endanger American communities.
Foreign Snakes Released in Rural Community
Humberside Police are investigating the June 10th discovery of four large reticulated pythons abandoned in the Lincolnshire countryside near Twigmoor and Cleatham. The snakes, which included two albino specimens and a valuable Pied Golden Child Morph, were likely abandoned pets that someone decided to release rather than care for properly.
Four HUGE python snakes let lose in Lincolnshire – here are the ITV Calendar breakfast headlines you're waking up to. pic.twitter.com/z9CtGiypRy
— Victoria Whittam (@vicwhittamITV) June 16, 2025
While authorities have successfully captured multiple pythons, there are concerns that at least one more could still be at large in the area. Exotic animal experts assisted police in recovering the non-venomous reptiles. These reptiles kill their prey through constriction rather than venom, presenting a potential danger to small animals and even children.
Legal Consequences for Snake Abandonment
The Rural Task Force of Humberside Police has investigated potential Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 violations. This case highlights the need for stronger regulations on exotic pet ownership, as irresponsible owners threaten public safety and environmental balance by releasing non-native species.
Exotic snakes abandoned in North Lincolnshire https://t.co/vMC8MQmXGB
— Mike Otley (@MikeOtley) June 16, 2025
Law enforcement officials have advised residents to keep dogs on leashes and remain vigilant while in the affected areas. Reticulated pythons, native to South and Southeast Asia, are the world’s longest snake species. They have no natural predators in the British countryside, creating potential ecological disruption if they were to survive in the wild.
Public Safety Warning Issued
Police have instructed the public not to approach snakes they might encounter in Lincolnshire. Authorities have established a special reporting line, asking citizens to call 101 and reference incident number 25000081788 if they spot any missing reptiles.
“These snakes will not attack you. They will only try to defend themselves if they feel threatened.”
Law enforcement reminded pet owners of their responsibilities, stating: “If you have a pet that you can no longer keep, please take it to an exotic animal shop or rescue. Do not release them into the wild.”
The recovered pythons included a wild-type specimen measuring 18 feet long, capable of subduing large prey animals. This incident warns about the dangers of exotic pet ownership without proper regulations, training, and commitment to responsible care throughout the animal’s life.
Sources:
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/python-snake-large-police-issue-163719795.html