Mystery of dead pythons in trees

Two dead 6ft-long pythons have been discovered hanging from trees in a Staffordshire country park.

RSPCA inspectors have been baffled by the bizarre find at Chasewater Country Park, near Lichfield.

Workers from the countryside team at Lichfield District Council found the two dead pythons.

RSPCA investigating officer Penny Wieland said: "It is a total mystery how these dead snakes ended up hanging from a tree.

"One of the snakes was said to have had fluid coming from its mouth which is also odd."

Senior scientific officer Tim Thomas, from the RSPCA's wildlife department said: "This really is a strange one and I cannot shed any light on how the snakes were found dead.

"It would appear that they were dead before they were placed on the tree but if they had been abandoned in the wild they would certainly have died from the recent very cold conditions."

Anyone with information on the snakes' deaths can call the RSPCA national cruelty and advice line leaving a message for inspector Penny Wieland on 0300 1234 999.

l In February a 5ft python was dumped on Cannock Chase and found frozen to death.