A snake was seen on the loose in Glasgow city centre, snapping at people as they walked past. Believed to be a corn snake, the reptile was visibly distressed on Argyle Street on Wednesday.
Video captures snake lunging at pedestrians
A video posted on TikTok captured the animal nipping at the ankles of passersby and lunging forward on the busy street. The man filming the video can be heard saying "he's obviously scared" as the orange snake curls up in an apparent attempt to protect itself.
It's not currently clear how the snake ended up on the high street, but the TikTok user suggested it could have been someone's pet that got lost, as corn snakes are a popular species among snake fans.
Security guard rescues snake
A security guard at the St Enoch Centre is believed to have rescued the snake by covering it in a box before help arrived.
The TikTok video, which has now amassed nearly 500,000 views, drew concern for the snake's safety from fellow social media users. Over 400 comments have been left under the video, many expressing fears that it could be a lost or abandoned pet.
Social media users express concern
One person wrote: "Awww it's just a corn snake. probably someone's pet that's been dumped." Another added: "Corn snakes aren’t even usually aggressive poor wee thing is petrified."
A third commented: "That poor snake, he's so terrified :( He's a corn snake, they're extremely docile and will choose to run rather than attack. If a cornsnake attacks they're truly terrified and see no other option of escape :("
Another concerned social media user offered to rescue the snake, writing: "Please tell me someone has this snake secure? I can pick it up tonight if someone needs it taken off their hands. I rescue snakes and i have rehabilitation tanks ready."
