PEOPLE living in York are being urged to keep their eyes peeled for an unusual visitor on the city streets.

A three-and-a-half foot snake is believed to be on the loose after escaping from its owner’s home.

The female black-and-white California King Constrictor disappeared from a house in The Crescent, off Blossom Street, early on Monday evening.

And, despite searches both by its owner and the police, there has been no sign of the snake.

It is feared she may have died, falling victim to the recent cold weather. However, she could equally have found a warm place to shelter.

There is little risk to humans because California King Constrictors are not poisonous or aggressive.

Anyone who sees the snake is asked to call police on 101.