THE thought of a boa constrictor on the loose in Oxford has certainly got you talking – even if we are no closer to finding the slippery snake.

Amelia Drewett, seven, could not believe her eyes when she discovered the reptile's shedded skin next to the Eastern By-Pass.

Measuring five-and-a-half feet, plenty of readers have been speculating how it got there – and where its owner might be now.

Full story: Huge boa constrictor on the loose in Oxford

Libbabe commented on our website: "Now it's cold, so it's going to be slithering about trying to find a nice warm house!"

Another reader, the angry weasel, drew on experience with his theory.

He said: "It may not have been dumped, they are like Houdini these things.

"When I was living in St Mary's Road as a student, a boa called William was on the loose having escaped from its vivarium somewhere down the road. He turned up under the floor boards."

Oxford Mail:

Amelia Drewett holds up the snakeskin Picture: Debra Drewett

Boa constrictors are non-venomous, but can grow to up to 10 feet long and can survive for several weeks if able to feast on rodents and small animals.

However, plenty of people were concerned for the snake's wellbeing.

Read also: Eight things you should know in case you meet a boa constrictor

Emma Field wrote on Facebook: "I hope someone just put the skin there for a laugh, although it wouldn't shock me if one has been dumped.

"Too many animals' owners not honouring the lifelong commitment they've made to the pets they've acquired."

Nicola Mottershead added: "I have boa constrictors and no matter how hungry they are they have never even tried to harm my cat.

"They would be extremely scared being out in the open."

Oxford Mail:

Amelia was on a walk with her grandad Alan when she found the snakeskin, which is now hanging up in the 64-year-old's home.

Mr Drewett's wife, Debra, has put out a Facebook appeal for the boa's owner and contacted the RSPCA, but nobody has come forward.

Read also: This is how much it costs to keep a boa constrictor in Oxford

As with everything in 2020, the topic of coronavirus soon reared its head.

England enters its second national lockdown tomorrow, with the public told they must stay at home until Wednesday, December 2.

Although plenty of people will be dreading the thought of four weeks stuck in the house, some readers admitted the fear of a huge snake slithering around nearby made this easier.

Sarah G commented on our website: "If this snake is lucky enough to survive the cold weather, its presence may help ensure greater levels of compliance with the lockdown measures."

Science Oxford tweeted: "That’s pretty close to us...time for a staff head count before lockdown."

Meanwhile, Saj Khan posted on Twitter: "Just when I was planning to cycle regularly in this area during lockdown. Do we have a snake charmer around?"

Experts suspect the snake's owner has deliberately let it go, although even this is unconfirmed.

But before you barricade yourself inside, Cluck79 suggested there could be a far more logical explanation.

He wrote on our website: "Is it possible someone just discarded the skin as a practical joke. Just a thought!"