Snakeowners have been warned to key an eye on their charges as more and more of the reptiles are escaping in the hot weather.
The Dublin Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals said today it had recently rescued or retrieved ten snakes in the Dublin area.
The snakes, none of which are dangerous, have mostly been found hiding in homes and gardens. Some have even been found hiding in kitchen presses and under couches.
The DSPCA is appealing to owners of slithery pets to ensure they are securely locked up, as reptiles have a tendency to become more active and liable to break out of their cages during hot weather.