A YOUNG couple were horrified when they found a snake just inches from their sleeping baby.

The 4ft long great plains rat snake is believed to have slithered into Gareth Smith and Julie Greasley's house through an open door and made a home for itself under their bed.

Their unwelcome guest was only discovered after it left its hiding place and curled up beneath the cot where seven-month-old Caitlyn was sleeping.

Mum Julie, aged 22, of Osborne Grove, Brownlow Fold, said: "Who knows what could have happened and how long it has been there.

"All I can think about is that it could have got in the baby's cot. It is terrifying.

"Anything could have happened. It was sleeping just inches from our baby."

Miss Greasley, a customer services advisor, went to check on Caitlyn yesterday shortly before 10.30am and spotted the snake on the ground.

She froze in shock and screamed for her 23-year-old partner who did not believe what she was saying at first.

When he saw the snake for himself, quick-thinking Gareth grabbed the baby and shut the bedroom door, trapping it inside.

With the help of a family friend, he later placed it inside a box but it crawled out and back under the bed.

The snake had also shed its skin during its time in the house because they found its remains under their bed.

An animal collection officer from the RSPCA turned up to take it away and confirmed it was a Great Plains Rat Snake.

Mr Smith said: "I heard Julie scream and ran upstairs. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

"The snake kept hissing and staring at us. Our immediate concern was Caitlyn.

"Using a stick, we put it in the box but it was becoming angry. It was quite strong and managed to push its way back out and under the bed.

"We still can't believe this has happened. It hasn't sunk in yet."

Miss Greasley added: "At first I thought it was a toy one, I just couldn't believe it. Then it moved so I just started screaming.

"It must have slithered in through the back door which we often keep open when it is warm.

"I can't believe it has been here all this time and we never heard a thing.

"It is not worth thinking about what could have happened.

Jon Kerrigan, animal collection officer from the RSPCA, said: "The Great Plains Rat Snake are constrictors.

"It was probably a domestic pet which has escaped. It could have been living outside during the summer months and come inside as temperatures have dropped.

"It is difficult to say how long it has been under the bed but it does take a couple of days for its to shed its skin.

"It could have got into the baby's cot but the chances are quite minimum."

Do you know who owns the snake? Ring the Bolton Evening News newsdesk 01204 537270

Factfile

The great plains rat snake are usually grey or green-grey with dark grey markings.

They are around four feet when fully grown.

It is native to the south central United States and Mexico,

The snake should normally be housed in a tall terrarium with hiding areas and some branches for climbing.

They normally live off rodents.