Snakes, tarantulas and lizards might not be as cute as a puppy or kitten, but they are becoming increasingly popular pets in the north-east.
And to make sure council workers know what to do if they come across them while on a job, a special training session was held in Aberdeen yesterday.
During the session, employees were given the chance to meet the exotic animals – including 14ft snake Sam, a monitor lizard, tarantula, corn snake, a royal python and millipedes – in a controlled environment.
Neil Martin, from Inverness-based not-for-profit organisation Scottish Exotic Animal Rescue: Creatures Great and Small, led the event.
He said it was important workers were aware of the different types of animals they could come across and where they were likely to be hiding.
He added: “If pet snakes get out of their enclosure they can sometimes be found lurking under fridges or washing machines as it’s a warm area.
“Animals like these need to be given the same treatment as other pets like and cats and dogs.
“The session was about changing perceptions and ensuring the staff understand the animals a bit more.”
The training scheme was started with tradespeople last year but was extended to all departments after requests from employees.
Councillor Neil Cooney, communities, housing and infrastructure convener, said although it seemed like an unusual aspect of training, it was an issue the council takes seriously.
He added: “It could give you a bit of a scare to be working and have a huge spider or snake suddenly appears in front of you and you don’t know what to with it.”
Emma Scott, who helps organise the work of tradesmen, said: “It was good eye opener for me as I’ve always been quite scared of non-domestic spiders.
“It also helps me plan for what the workers could come across at work.”