AN 8ft-long boa constrictor was found in an Oxfordshire field by a dog walker.

The unsuspecting pet owner spotted the giant tropical reptile in a field near a housing estate in Banbury while walking his dog on Saturday.

From snout to tail tip it measures 8ft 6 inches, and weighs 12.2kg.

The RSPCA was called to collect the snake, but how it ended up in the field remains a mystery.

Deputy chief inspector Melanie Fisher 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 field but I think the caller got a bit of a surprise. It’s not everyday you stumble upon an 8ft snake while out walking the dog.

"The snake may have escaped from a vivarium or may have been abandoned. Sadly she's not microchipped so we do not know where she has come from. She is still in our care and is now doing really well despite the cold weather."

Snakes are not able to produce their own body heat and so being outdoors in the UK, especially during cold weather, can be a serious threat to a boa as their bodies cannot function normally outside of the correct temperature range.

Ms Fischer said the RSPCA was seeing a growing number of exotic animals – including snakes – being abandoned.

The increase is thought to be down to a rise in ambitious pet owners biting off more than they can chew in adopting tropical wildlife.

The charity currently has dozens of boas in its care looking for new but experienced homes, and urged prospective buyers to do their research before getting one.