Racer snake found on international flight

Glasgow Airport had a real-life case of a snake on a plane recently, when an 18 inch long juvenile was found under passenger seats.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) had to rescue the snake, which is believed to be a middle American smooth-scaled racer, when the plane arrived from Cancun, Mexico.

Staff were reportedly calm and managed to box the snake. It has now been taken to the charity's animal rescue centre in Cardonald, Glasgow, where staff have named it Furtivo - Spanish for sneaky.

Billy Linton, Scottish SPCA senior inspector, said: "Racers aren't venomous but, like all snakes, they can bite and Furtivo is very feisty. Although small at the moment, he is still a juvenile and has a lot of growing to do."

It is thought that Furtivo sneaked onto the plane when it was waiting to take off in Cancun, or was brought on accidentally with someone's hand luggage.

"We have rescued several exotic creatures from international flights including scorpions, spiders, turtles and even giant land snails, so this isn't as unusual as many people might think.

"Furtivo will remain in our care until we can find him an expert home with someone who has the necessary experience and knowledge to be able to look after such a creature," said Mr Linton.