AMSTERDAM — Locals residents have called for action to deal with the increasing snake population near the Eelde airfield in Drenthe.

For over 10 years the Russian Rat snakes have been living in the vicinity of the airfield. They are not dangerous but they can reach 2 metres in length and their numbers are growing rapidly.

The fist snakes were apparently released in the area by someone who did not want to keep them as pets anymore. Contrary to all expectation the snakes have thrived and multiplied in North Drenthe.

It is estimated there are anywhere between several dozen and a few hundred of the snakes living in the area.

The local council in Tynaarlo has drafted in experts from the Serpo reptile zoo in Delft to get a clearer picture of how many snakes there are and to come up with proposals to remove them.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2006]

Subject: Dutch news, snakes and Eelde