The reptile was discovered on Mousehold Heath, near Zak's Diner, on Saturday by a passerby who called Kevin Murphy of Norfolk Wildlife Rescue to recover it.

Mr Murphy believes there is no way the snake, identified as a royal python, could have got there itself, and someone must have left it there alive.

Kevin Murphy of Norfolk Wildlife Rescue (Image: Kevin Murphy)

It is not known how the snake died, but it was found injured - likely caused by an attack in the woods or at its previous home.

Cold weather could have also led to its death, as the royal python, also known as the ball python, relies on the sun or artificial lamps to generate heat.

"It has really annoyed me that someone has done this," Mr Murphy said. "The snake was not well looked after.

"There are plenty of people who are willing to give animals homes, so if you cannot look after it, then there are plenty of people you can go to for help before leaving a helpless animal."

He added that he has been called out to the heath on numerous occasions to rescue animals such as chickens and rabbits, which were dumped there.

"It could be for a number of reasons why people cannot keep a pet, such as the novelty wearing off, or the food or vet bill being too high," Mr Murphy added.

"I do not judge anyone who can no longer look after a pet, but dumping them is the last possible option.

"They are not disposable, they are living, breathing creatures."

The wildlife rescuer works to rehome abandoned animals, often fronting the costs of vet bills and food himself.

© Norwich Evening News