A FIFTEEN foot long Burmese python found just off of one of Greenock's busiest roads has sadly died.

The Tele reported online on Tuesday how the large snake had been spotted across from the Broomhill Tavern bar in Drumfrochar Road.

When the snake was found, it was unclear whether it was alive or dead and it was taken into the care of a local veterinary practice.

Around the same time, reports were made of another snake spotted lying dead on the hillside at The Cut, and eyewitnesses also shared pictures of a third snake said to have been spotted on land behind Gourock fire station.

Staff from the environmental team at Home Fix Scotland found the Drumfrochar Road snake and immediately contacted the SSPCA, before taking the animal to their Springkell Street depot.

Greenock police then contacted Abbey Vets about the find and veterinary surgeon Beverley Naismith was called out.

Beverley says the snake was in good condition and had obviously been well looked after.

She took him to the Abbey surgery in Murdieston Street and staff there did everything to try to warm him up.

But sadly the creature was confirmed dead by yesterday morning.

Beverley said: "When snakes get really cold it's hard to tell if they're dead or alive.

"Their heartbeat can slow down to around just one beat every three to five minutes and they go into a state of torpor.

"I wasn't happy to make a call until the snake had been with us and had warmed up overnight.

"We checked on Wednesday morning and unfortunately there were no signs of life."

Beverley said snakes are used to living in environments more akin to Florida than Greenock and as a result, they struggle to survive in the cold.

When they're in captivity, the temperature and humidity around them is well regulated.

According to Beverley, the Burmese python is the Labrador of the snake world and as quite a docile animal, they make great pets.

She said the team at Abbey are all very sad at the outcome.

She added: "I've no idea how the snake managed to get outside.

"It's terribly sad that this poor animal didn't survive."

Police confirmed that the owner of the snake has been identified and, despite the other reports, no other snakes have been reported missing or stolen.

They said that had the snake survived, once the SSPCA had reviewed the circumstances, it could have been returned to its owner.

Chief Inspector Paul Cameron, local area commander, said: "No criminality has been identified in relation to this at present and enquiries are ongoing."