Essex tops national list for stray snake sightings

The RSPCA say snakes are more active in hot weather, meaning they're expecting another seasonal spike in escape incidents during July, August and September.

Last summer, 383 snake-related incidents were reported nationally during that three-month period – an 18% increase on the previous year.

New figures show Essex generated 21 reports, the highest in the UK, followed closely by Norfolk (20), Greater Manchester (17) and West Yorkshire (17).

RSPCA senior scientific officer Evie Button said:

“Snakes are excellent escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid to make a break for it. Snakes become more active during hot weather – so as the UK continues to swelter this summer, we’re braced for another influx of calls."

In one recent case on 7 July, an RSPCA officer rescued a snake spotted in a London fish and chip shop. When Animal Rescue Officer Adam Tasker arrived, he identified the stray snake as a juvenile corn snake. As there were lots of flats above the fish ‘n chip shop, he suspected that it was likely to be an escaped pet. After some detective work, the officer found the snake’s owner and the pet was safely returned into their care.

Evie added: “The RSPCA urges all pet snake owners to be extra vigilant at this time of year, invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and make sure that enclosure is kept secure – and locked if necessary – when unattended.”

The RSPCA have also warned that another common reason for snake escapes in summer is owners taking them outdoors for sunlight. They say snakes can heat up and move quickly, making it easy for them to slip away.

“Many of the snakes the RSPCA’s officers are called to collect are thought to be escaped pets," Evie said.

“But sadly, we also deal with a lot of abandoned pet snakes. We find that many people are unaware of how much of a commitment these animals are when they take them on, which we believe contributes to the concerning number of animals every year who have sadly been abandoned when their owners can no longer meet their needs.

“The RSPCA urges prospective owners of reptiles such as snakes to thoroughly research the needs of the particular species... People should only consider keeping a snake if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for these needs.” Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.