Cambridgeshire python: Snake's tree rescue 'like a scene from Jungle Book'

It is believed the 10ft-long snake probably escaped from its owners some time ago

A 10ft-long python had to be rescued from a tree in a scene "reminiscent of the Jungle Book".

The RSPCA and firefighters were called to Conington, Cambridgeshire on Friday after a motorcyclist saw the snake.

The branch the snake was on had to be cut from the tree so the reptile could fall into a tarpaulin being held below.

RSPCA Inspector Justin Stubbs said: "I wasn't expecting to see this stunning animal wrapped high up around tree branches in the English countryside."

The motorcyclist had called the police after seeing the python cross the road on a quiet country lane in the village, near St Ives.

Firefighters cut down the branch the python was on to allow it to fall in to a tarpaulin

When Mr Stubbs arrived at the scene he spotted the snake had climbed a tree for safety.

"I really could not believe it when I got there and saw this huge snake all the way up in the tree - it was a scene a bit reminiscent of the Jungle Book," he said.

He called Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service to help retrieve the animal.

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A number of branches were removed to get closer to it, before the one it was on was cut allowing the snake to fall into the tarpaulin.

It was taken to a nearby specialist for health checks, where it would stay until its owner was traced.

"The snake is about 10-foot long and a reticulated python," Mr Stubbs said. "We think he or she may have been loose for some time as they were cold and a little underweight."

He said in 25 years with the RSPCA he had rescued cats, birds, foxes and even other snakes from trees, but never anything like the python.