Escaped snake survived for year on streets in Airdrie

Emett is now safe and secure with his owner after being found in Airdrie

An escaped corn snake has been reunited with its owner after living in the wild in North Lanarkshire for a year.

Corn snake Emett went missing as a baby and survived outdoor temperatures as well as finding his own food.

He was handed in to a Scottish SPCA centre in Glasgow after being found in a residential area of Airdrie.

The Scottish SPCA's Rachel Mansfield, said: "It's amazing that this snake has managed to survive changes in weather, as well as eating goodness knows what."

Ms Mansfield, assistant manager at the charity's Glasgow animal rescue and rehoming centre, said they found Emett's owner after issuing an online appeal.

She was shocked to discover how long he had been missing.

She added: "As Emett was just a tiny baby when they got him, he had managed to get out through a small gap.

"Snakes are notorious escape artists and can often squeeze through much smaller spaces than you might think."

The Royal veterinary college (RVC) advises that corn snakes should be kept in a large vivarium with a basking temperature of 32C (89F).

Ms Mansfield added: "Since being home Emett has enjoyed a nice bath, a good meal and had a good full shed too.

"We're always delighted to reunite an animal with their owner, whatever shape or size the animal might be."