An escaped snake lunged at pedestrians' ankles on Argyle Street in Glasgow city centre, leaving shoppers "horrified" before it was contained and taken into care.
The incident occurred on August 12, outside one of the entrances to the St Enoch Shopping Centre. A TikTok video captured the snake striking out at unsuspecting passers-by as they walked past on the busy street.
Further photographs circulating online showed the snake being contained beneath a cardboard box, with a security guard standing nearby. The reptile was subsequently placed inside the box before being handed over to shopping centre staff.
SSPCA called to the scene
An Animal Rescue Officer from the Scottish SPCA attended the scene and collected the snake, which was then transported to the SSPCA's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Cardonald to receive care from their team.
An SSPCA spokesperson said: "I can confirm that an Animal Rescue Officer from the Scottish SPCA attended and collected the snake after a member of the public handed it into security at St Enoch Shopping Centre in Glasgow on August 12. It was then taken to our Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Cardonald where it is now being cared for by the team."
It remains unclear how the snake came to be loose on the bustling street, reports the Daily Record.
Witnesses react on social media
One eyewitness wrote online: "The snake was clearly f*****g terrified and could have hurt someone."
Others took to social media to voice their concerns. One person commented: "I know I have an irrational fear of snakes but I always control it by knowing that it is highly unlikely I'd ever come across one randomly ...now this! I was genuinely in town today."
A second added: "This has made me so raging. The wee soul is in fight or flight. I'd have phoned SSPCA."
While another wrote: "I don't like snakes but it shouldn't be left there. The poor thing will be terrified. I hope it's okay."
Investigation and response
Police Scotland has been approached for comment. The snake is now being cared for at the SSPCA's Glasgow centre, and the SSPCA has confirmed it is receiving care from their team.
The incident has prompted public concern about the safety of both the snake and the public, with many calling for better handling of such situations. The SSPCA has not yet released further details about the snake's condition or how it may have escaped.
