There's A Massive Snake On The Loose In Cumbria

The household pet scarpered when it was momentarily left unattended.

An 8-foot boa constrictor has escaped from its home in Whitehaven, Cumbria, and is on the loose, according to local police.

Cumbria Constabulary / Via Facebook: cumbriapolice

Cumbria constabulary issued a statement saying that the household pet, which disappeared after being left momentarily unattended while its tank was being cleaned, was reported missing on Friday evening.

The large serpent, native to central and south America, "does not pose an immediate risk to the public," the police said.

Cumbria locals, it seems, are indeed not too concerned. "They haven't found any constricting evidence yet..." one Facebook user commented on the police's missing snake appeal on their page.

One user anticipated plenty of "hissssterical snake puns", while another advised, "don't go to a fancy dress party tonight as a snake anybody".

A more cautious commenter warned, however, "they can kill in less than 4 mins." A boa constrictor kills its prey by holding it in a tight grip until it dies. Its prey tends to include mice and small birds, and where available, lizards and amphibians which it swallows whole.

One Facebook commenter said they had "heard it has gone down the toilet," a legitimate concern after reports earlier this week that snakes had been turning up in toilets in Australia.

Elliot Budd / Via Facebook

In dry conditions, snakes will often appear in toilets after seeking out water, Australian snake-catcher Elliot Budd told BuzzFeed News.

At the time of writing, Cumbria constabulary told BuzzFeed News that the boa remains at large.

People of Cumbria, pray for rain.