A 10ft python is on the loose after escaping from a home in Kent.
The fully-grown snake sparked panic after pictures of it slithering along a patch of grass outside a doctor's surgery were posted online.
The female Coastal Carpet Python - which feeds on rats, birds and even domestic cats - remains at large after going missing from its owner's home earlier today. The snake is not thought to be deadly.
Pictures of the creature, with its head in the air next to a road and pavement, have been shared thousands of times on social media as its owner continues his search for it.
Sarah Bick, who posted a picture on Facebook, said: "Large snake seen passing Larkfield drs [sic] surgery. Please share and be careful. Don't know where it is now!! Could be a pet no one knows at this point!"
Chris Cini, the snake's owner, said he spent Friday afternoon combing through undergrowth by a Tesco branch near Larkfield.
He revealed that the serpent - which is called Zombie - is one of nine snakes he keeps at his home.
Mr Cini told Kent Online: "She's 11-years-old and she's no danger to anyone as she is used to living with me and used to being around humans. However, I would still advise people to be cautious if they find her.
"The trouble is the undergrowth around Tesco and nearby is really long and hasn't been trimmed. It's about six ft. That's bad news for those searching for her, but good news for Zombie - she will love that and be in heaven."
He added: "She likes eating rabbits and big rats and I buy these for her.
"She will often sit on me and if she's in the garden she will sit near me and be very protective."
Police told Kent Online they were called by a concerned member of the public after a sighting earlier today.
An RSPCA spokesman added: "Our advice for anyone who spots a stray exotic (non-native) snake is to keep a safe distance, monitor the animal and call the RSPCA’s Cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
"Never try to pick up a snake, unless absolutely certain that it has been correctly identified and that it is not venomous."
