Snake found on Scottish plane

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GLASGOW, Scotland, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Animal rescuers in Scotland said a snake believed to be an American smooth-scaled racer was discovered in a plane arriving in Glasgow from Mexico.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the 18-inch snake was found under a row of seats in the passenger cabin of the plane that arrived from Mexico this week and workers were able to catch it in a box, Sky News reported Friday.

The SPCA dubbed the animal Furtivo, Spanish for "stealthy."

"We have had the snake examined by a vet and, although we can't be 100 percent certain, we believe he is of the Dryadophis family, which are commonly referred to as American smooth-scaled racers," said Billy Linton, a senior inspector with the Scottish SPCA. "Racers aren't venomous but, like all snakes, they can bite and Furtivio is very feisty. Although small at the moment, he is still a juvenile and has a lot of growing to do."

Linton said the snake may have slithered onto the plane in Cancun or stowed away in someone's luggage.

"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," Linton said.