A TEIGNMOUTH newsagent had the shock of his life when he discovered a coiled snake on his doorstep. John Aspinwall, of Maudsleys News, in Teign Street, said 'my brain couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing,' when he went to shut up on Saturday evening and found the foot-long reptile edging in through the front door. The black and grey-marked snake, identified earlier this week as an American corn snake, tried to strike at the well-meaning shop-owner as he approached it. 'It struck out at me and I jumped back and, as I moved in to have a closer look, it struck out again. 'It was striking and hissing and making a real fuss. 'I had to do something so I went to get a tea-towel and used it to cover the snake. 'I put it in a bag and into an empty wheelie-bin round the back while trying to think what to do next,' he said. Mr Aspinwall said he didn't have time to be frightened, but had to be cautious because he was not sure if it was a poisonous species. 'The wife wasn't happy about it, I have to say,' he said. He contacted the RSPCA and then Shaldon Wildlife Trust, but a lack of keepers meant that no one could fetch it until Monday morning. 'I was thinking what do I feed it and does it want a drink, because I didn't want it to die, but I was told that it would be OK without anything and I was relieved when the keepers arrived with all their gear on to take it away on Monday,' he said. Shaldon zookeepers identified the snake as a non-venomous American corn snake. Keeper Anthony White said it is the most commonly kept snake in this country and most likely escaped. They are known for their friendly nature and are often kept as first time pets or for educational purposes. Mr White said: 'I would say that this one is about eight weeks old because of its size. The biggest snake of this kind I have seen is about 6ft. 'I will feed it up here and wait and see if anyone claims it, he said. Mr Aspinwall said: 'It's worked out for the best really, 'The snake has got a new home where it will be looked after and I will do anything I can to help the trust. 'They were brilliant,' he said.
