A snake believed to have been abandoned at a Weymouth nature reserve continues to be looked after by RSPCA staff.

As reported, the 4ft-long royal python was discovered at RSPB Radipole Lake reserve by a member of the public.

The RSPCA fears it may have been abandoned, although there is a possibility it escaped from a property. If this is the case, the animal welfare charity would love to reunite the snake with its owner.

The snake, which is non-venomous, is being looked after at the RSPCA's West Hatch Animal Centre in Somerset and has been named Leonidas by staff.

RSPCA Inspector Ken Snook said: “If anyone thinks they may know who this snake belongs to then we would ask them to get in touch with us by calling our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018."

The snake was found at the RSPB Radipole Lake on Wednesday, August 7.

The RSPCA says exotic pets such as snakes often end up in its care after people realise they're not easy to care for, or the novelty wears off. Others are rescued after they have been abandoned, escaped or been released on purpose, which then could be a risk to our native wildlife. Abandoning a reptile or releasing unwanted exotic pets into the wild is cruel and illegal, as most reptiles kept as pets are unlikely to be able to survive in the wild in Britain.

Anyone who finds a snake they believe is non-native is advised to keep a safe distance, monitor the snake and call the RSPCA helpline on 0300 1234 999.