20 June 2012 Last updated at 12:11 ET

Harrogate reservoir walkers' alert as boa constrictor sighted

The snake, believed to measure about 1.8m (6ft) in length, was seen by a member of the public at Swinsty reservoir near Harrogate.

Dog walkers in North Yorkshire are being urged to take care after a boa constrictor was spotted in grassland.

The snake, believed to measure about 1.8m (6ft) in length, was seen by a member of the public at Swinsty reservoir near Harrogate.

Landowners Yorkshire Water said although the snake was unlikely to pose a risk to human beings dogs should be kept on a lead.

The water company said warning posters had been put up at the site.

'Be sensible'

Geoff Lomas, site manager said: "Clearly there is some concern in that we have a snake, of which we know very little about, including when it last ate, on the loose in a vast woodland area which is very popular with visitors from across the region.

"With this in mind, we're saying to people, please do come to the site, but please be sensible and exercise caution when out and about, ensuring all dogs are kept on a lead."

Yorkshire Naturalists' Union confirmed the snake was a boa constrictor, and is likely to be an abandoned or escaped pet.

The water firm is urging anyone who sees the snake to contact the police or the RSPCA.