A baby snake which was found hiding in a Suffolk garden has died.
Lewis Marshall found the reptile in Needham Market and at first believed it was a grass snake or adder.
"I saw it in the garden, it was very small - only around 12 inches long," he said.
It was later confirmed it was a baby corn snake, a species whose natural habitat is more than 4,000 miles away in the United States.
It is believed the corn snake was an escaped pet so Amber Rose Boddy took it in until the owner was found.
READ MORE: Two more polar bears arrive at wildlife park
"Despite them being outside for who knows how long, they seem to be relatively healthy and is very friendly," she said in a post on social media.
However, less than a day later Amber updated the post saying the corn snake had died.
"Unfortunately, the snake has passed away overnight.
"We don't know if there were any underlying conditions or if it just succumbed to its time outside.
"Thank you to everyone who showed care and consideration to the little love."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here