A FOUR foot long anaconda has been found on a street in Edinburgh by a street cleaner.
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after being altered to the snake on Saturday.
Street cleaner Gordon Fraser discovered the creature at West Pilton Bank in the north of the city.
The yellow anaconda, nicknamed William, is now in the care of the charity’s Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno.
Anacondas are usually found in tropical South Africa and are one of the largest snake species in the world.
Gordon said: “I noticed the snake lying behind some cardboard next to a fence and thought it was a toy at first. Then it moved and I realised it was real.
“The snake looked in really poor condition so I tried to coax him into a cardboard box and we took him back to the depot.
“I’m pretty shocked to find out the snake is an anaconda.
“My colleagues kept telling me not to touch him but I don’t think he would have survived for much longer if I hadn’t helped him.”
Inspector June Chalcroft said: “Yellow anacondas need experienced owners as they are temperamental and will bite.
“However, William was extremely thin and dehydrated when he was found curled up outside and he didn’t put up a fight.
“We rescue all types of animals, including snakes, but they tend to be smaller species such as corn snakes. It’s extremely rare for a four foot anaconda to be found in public.
“After being treated at a vets for three days, William is now being looked after at our rescue centre and is much brighter.
“At this stage we don’t know how he came to be found outside. He may have escaped from home but we also have to consider the possibility he has been abandoned.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who recognises this anaconda or has any information on 03000 999 999.”
