Thought the plot from the Samuel L Jackson movie Snakes On A Plane could never happen in real life?
Think again.
This week the Scottish SPCA rescued a snake from Glasgow Airport after shocked staff found the slithery creature on a flight from Cancun, Mexico.
Staff from the organisation were called to the airport on Tuesday when staff discovered the stow-away under a row of seats in the passenger cabin after the plane landed.
The snake - that was on a plane
Quick-thinking workers remained “remarkably calm” and managed to safely contain the 18-inch long snake in a box.
Senior Inspector Billy Linton, who has more than 30 years’ experience as a zoo keeper, took the juvenile snake to the SPCA’s Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Cardonald for care.
He has been named Furtivo, which is Spanish for ‘sneak’.
SI Linton said, “We have had the snake examined by a vet and, although we can’t be a hundred percent certain, we believe he is of the Dryadophis family, which are commonly referred to as American smooth-scaled racers.
“Racers aren’t venomous but, like all snakes, they can bite and Furtivio is very feisty.
“Although small at the moment, he is still a juvenile and has a lot of growing to do.
“The staff at Glasgow Airport remained remarkably calm when faced with what must have been a rather unwelcome passenger.
“I can only imagine that Furtivo managed to sneak his way onto the plane while it was waiting to take off in Cancun, although it is also possible he has hitched a lift in 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.”