Snake missing for a year dropped by crow into Spennymoor garden

The RSPCA said it was "gobsmacked" Agnus survived both the crow attack and being without heat for so long

A snake which had been missing for a year was reunited with its owner after being dropped into a garden by a crow.

The RSPCA was called to rescue the corn snake which had slithered up on to a nearby garage roof in Spennymoor, County Durham.

A resident then came over who was "absolutely delighted" to find her pet, Agnus, who had been missing for a year.

The charity said it was "gobsmacked" it survived both the crow attack and being without heat for so long.

The 3ft (90cm) snake had been picked up by a crow and dropped when it "realised it had bitten off more than it could chew", RSPCA inspector John Lawson said.

"After I rescued the snake a resident living nearby came over and was absolutely delighted as it was her missing pet from a year ago called Agnus."

Mr Lawson said he was "gobsmacked" Agnus had lived for so long because snakes are not able to produce their own body heat so they rely on their environment to maintain their body temperature.

Agnus was rescued from a garage roof

Agnus was taken to the vets and treated for a respiratory infection from being outside in the cold, then reunited with her owner.

Mr Lawson said: "The vet believes Agnus had gone into brumation mode, similar to hibernation, and her body had shut down in order to survive.

"It really is amazing that she survived for so long without heat - and also survived after a crow had decided to try to fly off with her," he added.

The RSPCA said snakes were "excellent escape artists and would take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid to make a break for it".

It urged snake owners to keep an enclosure which was kept secure, and locked if necessary, when unattended.