Snake sighting in Fordstown

A corn snake appears to have made itself at home in Fordstown with a number of sightings in the area over the past month.

One resident got quite a shock to spot the snake in their garden while mowing the grass and took this photo.

Meath West TD Shane Cassells was contacted and said while you get many queries as a TD, this was one of the more unusual ones. He contacted the Department of Agriculture who got in touch with the National Exotic Animal Sanctuary (NEAS), based in Ballivor.

Kevin Cunningham of (NEAS) stressed that corn snakes are non-venemous and do not pose a danger. He said they had been made aware of the snake and are ready to go out when it is spotted again.

According to Mr Cunningham, the corn snake had most likely been kept as a pet and escaped. 'They are incredible escape artists and can get through even the smallest gap at the lid of their tanks. It is quite common for them to get out and this one has gone further afield. They can live for seven to eight months without being fed.'

As they are cold blooded, he said corn snakes  like to bask in the sun and it is most likely to be spotted when the sun is out again.

Mr Cunningham is advising anyone who spots the snake to retreat a distance, to try and keep an eye on the snake if they can, and contact NEAS at 085-8465464.