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One of the world’s deadliest snakes found on industrial estate in Salford
The snake is believed to have travelled 4,000 miles from Pakistan
One of the world’s deadliest snakes was discovered on an industrial estate in Salford after surviving a 4,000-mile journey from Pakistan.
The deadly saw-scaled viper, which is said to be ‘more than capable of killing people’, had travelled inside a shipping container to Manchester Brick Specialists last month.
An unsuspecting forklift driver came across the reptile on December 17th before the company’s logistics manager confined the snake with a cardboard box and called the RSPCA, who say it is ‘lucky’ it didn’t bite anyone.
RSPCA
RSPCA inspector Ryan King, who was called out to deal with the snake, spoke of his disbelief and admitted he was a little sceptical when the report first came in.
He told ITV News: “Sometimes we get to jobs like this and it turns out to be a harmless grass snake – we have even attended snake reports which turn out to be plastic toys.
“However, I only had to take a quick look to realise we were dealing with a reptile which was more than capable of killing people with its highly toxic venom.”
Ryan wore protective clothing to ensure the snake was captured safely, before transporting it to its new home in Liverpool to live with a carer who has a license to look deadly reptiles.
RSPCA
Ryan added: “I just think it was so lucky that they had spotted the snake – they are very small and it could have easily bitten someone and it seems he has been in the brickyard for about a month.”
The forklift driver who discovered the snake, known only as Michael, also spoke of his shock, saying he couldn’t believe how venomous the snake turned out to be. He added: “I knew to keep a safe distance but obviously had no idea how deadly this snake was – it was pretty shocking!
“Looking back now it really was a good job it was spotted and dealt with or who knows what could have happened.
“The container was shipped at the beginning of November so it seems amazing that the snake has survived for seven weeks away from its natural environment but I am glad it is now safe in a new home.”