Doncaster residents in fear after snake escape

Residents in a block of flats in Doncaster are living in fear after a family of snakes are believed to have escaped.
Keith JobsonKeith Jobson
Keith Jobson

Reptile experts have been trying to catch the snakes, that turned up in the home of shocked Doncaster pensioner Keith Jobson giving him the fright of his life.

But after several failed attempts it is thought the two North American Corn Snakes may have moved on to another area of the block of flats in Middlegate, Scawthorpe.

The North American Corn Snake found by Keith Jobson, 83, who was horrified after finding a family of snakes living in his kitchen. See Ross Parry copy RPYSNAKE :The North American Corn Snake found by Keith Jobson, 83, who was horrified after finding a family of snakes living in his kitchen. See Ross Parry copy RPYSNAKE :
The North American Corn Snake found by Keith Jobson, 83, who was horrified after finding a family of snakes living in his kitchen. See Ross Parry copy RPYSNAKE :
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Mr Jobson, aged 83, had been forced to barricade his kitchen door and live in his sitting room for several days after finding the family of snakes behind his washing machine.

One of the snakes was captured but two others - one measuring five feet in length - have not been seen since.

Mr Jobson said: “Workmen from St Leger Homes have used expanding foam to seal any gaps in the kitchen.

“We think the snakes have moved on we can’t be sure and I’m still looking around every time I go into the kitchen.

The North American Corn Snake found by Keith Jobson, 83, who was horrified after finding a family of snakes living in his kitchen. See Ross Parry copy RPYSNAKE :The North American Corn Snake found by Keith Jobson, 83, who was horrified after finding a family of snakes living in his kitchen. See Ross Parry copy RPYSNAKE :
The North American Corn Snake found by Keith Jobson, 83, who was horrified after finding a family of snakes living in his kitchen. See Ross Parry copy RPYSNAKE :
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“Everyone else in the block is concerned that they might get into their homes as the expert told me the snakes can squeeze through the smallest of gaps.

“Everyone is worried about it.”

M Jobson made the shocking discovery on Monday June 6 when he walked into the kitchen and saw a snake peering out from behind his washing machine.

RSPCA inspectors and a team from St Leger Homes have battled to sort out the problem but were unable to capture at least two snakes.

The snakes are believed to be the nonvenomous North American Corn Snakes - a popular choice of pet snake.

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A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “One of our animal welfare officers went to the property and removed a corn snake that had been found in the kitchen, but despite an extensive search, there was no sign of a second snake.

“Corn snakes are commonly kept pets and whilst they can bite, are not venomous.” St Leger Homes were unavailable for comment.