A reptile sanctuary in the Peterborough area says a snake found in the village of Bridgenorth on the weekend is indigenous to Florida.
According to Canada’s Dinosaur Park and Reptile Sanctuary (formerly known as the Indian River Reptile Zoo), resident Lynda Chilibeck discovered a “strange-coloured” snake on the back porch of her home on Saturday afternoon.
According to curator Melinda-Lee Baker, Chilibeck captured video of the snake and forwarded it to the non-profit sanctuary just east of Peterborough. Sanctuary president/director Bry Loyst quickly identified the reptile as an albino corn snake which is found in Florida.
Chilibeck, who lives in the area of Tindle Bay on Chemong Lake, says she was more surprised than scared by the discovery.
Albino corn snakes have red and white scales and red eyes. On average they can grow between 35 and 48 inches long.
“I was startled, and then taken by the beautiful colour,” she told Global News Peterborough. “I was more surprised (than scared) as I have never seen a snake on my property. The snake did not appear aggressive. I did not know it was not a native.”
Baker said reptile sanctuary specialist Lindsay Merker was dispatched within 10 minutes of Loyst receiving the video and assisted in the snake’s capture.
“The snake is harmless but it cannot survive in our climate,” Baker said. “Unfortunately, it cannot be returned to Florida. Corn snakes are very common in the pet trade.”
Baker said the search for the snake’s owner is underway.
“Thus far, no one has come forward to claim the animal as theirs so the snake is still in our care,” Baker said Monday morning.
The sanctuary is home to 400 reptiles from around the world and is considered Canada’s largest reptile non-for-profit sanctuary.
“I have driven past the sanctuary a number of times. That is why they came to mind,” said Chilibeck. “The team from the sanctuary was incredible.”
— more to come