A couple walking their dog with their son found a stray young hognose snake near the Halfway filter in St Sampsons.

It's not what you would expect to find when out walking your dog on Guernsey's east coast, but it happened to one Guernsey couple this week. They found a stray hognose snake.

Now safe at the GSPCA this non-indigenous reptile is being housed in one of the shelter's vivariums.

The GSPCA is appealing for anyone that has any information or has lost a young hognose snake to contact the Animal Shelter on 01481 257261

Seb Goman, GSPCA staff member said “The snake was brought in by a couple with their son that were just out walking their dog near the Halfway filter on the sea front.”

“They were really shocked to find the snake and especially when we told them that we do see quite a few stray reptiles each year.”

Zak Robinson who also works at the GSPCA said “The hognose snake is being well looked after and is now in one of our vivarium’s. He is only about 35cm long and seems fit and well.”

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “We are currently appealing for information on anyone that have lost a hognose snake near the Halfway filter. This time last week was World Snake Day and every year we see many snakes come through our care.

“We have called this little guy Halfway and he is now doing his 21 stray days inline with the Guernsey Animal Welfare Ordinance 2012.

“We ask all owners coming to claim stray animals to bring proof of ownership such as photos of their pets.

“Currently the only reptiles in need of a home at the GSPCA are musk turtles but we have lots of other animals in need which can be seen by going to https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals .

"Some people may remember that earlier this year we had a lizard that was found as a stray all the way from India called Mr Patel and we are pleased to say he is doing very well in his new Guernsey home which he found during lockdown.

“Every day is a real struggle to raise the funds to run the GSPCA during these difficult days."

For those wanting to donate to their #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal you can by calling 01481 257261, by post, at the Shelter or online via their web page https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal .