The RSPCA are looking for the owner of a corn snake which was found near the Glenfields estate in Caerphilly town.
The snow corn snake was found on Cae Nant Gledyr on Halloween, October 31, and the RSPCA believ it could have either escaped or been abandoned.
RSPCA animal collection officer Stephanie Davidson said: “We are appealing for information to try and find the owner. We don’t know if this snake is an escapee or has been abandoned. There may well be an owner who is desperately searching for their missing pet snake.
“We are appealing for anyone with information about this corn snake to contact the RSPCA Inspectorate Appeal Line on 0300 123 8018. Calls are treated in confidence.”
The animal welfare charity is experience widespread neglect of exotic animals across Wales, with a rise in animals being abandoned or handed in to animal centres.
An RSPCA spokesperson said that releasing exotic animals into the wild will cause them to suffer and is also illegal.
They said: “We are urging potential owners to thoroughly research what is required in the care of the exotic animal before taking one on, as potential owners need to make sure they can give their animal the environment it needs and they have the facilities, time, financial means and long-term commitment to maintain a good standard of care, as required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.”