IMAGINE this, you're out in the garden enjoying the last of the summer sun, when out of the corner of your eye you spot nothing other than a s.s.s.snake!

And not just any snake - a 4ft-long boa constrictor.

That's the shock a man in Yeovil had last week.

The RSPCA was called to a property in Beechwood on September 12 when a man found the large snake in his garden. 

RSPCA inspector Marie Griffiths and animal welfare officer (AWO) Alison Sparkes rescued the snake.

Staff from nearby Lufton College’s exotics department also came out to collect the snake and are now caring for him.

AWO Sparkes said: “If anyone thinks they may know who this snake belongs to then we would urge them to get in touch with us by calling our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

“It’s hard to know for sure how this snake came to be in the undergrowth here but I think the caller got a bit of a surprise. 

"It’s not everyday you stumble upon a 4ft snake in the bushes.

“The snake may have escaped from a vivarium or may have been abandoned.

“The RSPCA is seeing a growing number of exotic animals - including snakes - being abandoned because they are too much of a commitment for some people.

“Many people do not realise what they are taking on when they buy these pets so we are urging prospective buyers to do their research before getting one.”