Snake on a plane! Reptile found under passenger seats on flight at Glasgow Airport
SPCA
Cabin crew on a flight from Cancun to Scotland were shocked to find a stowaway snake hiding under passengers seats as the plane landed at Glasgow Airport.
The 18-inch snake, which is believed to be a juvenile Middle American smooth-scaled racer, slithered on the plane in Mexico and managed to travel 5,000 miles unnoticed.
Animal rescuers from the Scottish SPCA were called in and safely contained the snake - called Furtivo, meaning "stealthy or sly" - in a box.
He is now being cared for at the charity's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Cardonald by senior inspector Billy Linton.
Mr Linton said airport staff were "remarkably calm", telling the Daily Record: "We have had the snake examined by a vet and, although we can't be 100 per cent 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 Furtivo 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."
Mr Linton added that Furtivo must have managed to sneak his way onto the plane while it was waiting to take off in Cancun, although admitted it was also possible he hitched a lift in someone's hand luggage.
According to the BBC, he added: "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."
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