A family in Lincolnshire, England, experienced a surprise when they found a snake hiding under their couch while watching television. The Pantziz family was enjoying a quiet Sunday evening when a large snake suddenly appeared from beneath their furniture, causing them to fearfully flee their home.
Harry Pantziz, the family patriarch, recounted the incident, stating that they were unsure of what the creature was and quickly retreated to their garden. His wife contacted a local wildlife park for assistance, while they anxiously watched the situation unfold from a safe distance.
The call for help was answered by Ark Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, located in nearby Stickney. They dispatched a specialist to identify and handle the unexpected guest. Initially, the family thought it might be a native grass snake seeking a place to hibernate.
However, Jamie Mintram, a representative from Ark Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, quickly realized that the snake was not a local species upon his arrival. He identified the creature as a Florida Kingsnake, a species native to Florida, USA, and not typically found in central England. This non-venomous snake can grow up to four feet long.
Mintram explained that Florida Kingsnakes are often bred for the pet trade in the UK, suggesting that the snake, now named Micky, was likely an escaped pet. The Ark Wildlife & Dinosaur Park is currently providing temporary shelter for Micky until they can locate his owner.
Mintram further elaborated on the snake’s escape abilities, stating that snakes are incredibly skilled at escaping. He assured that Micky was in good health after being warmed up and properly cared for. Florida Kingsnakes are typically sold for around $100 in the pet trade.