(London) – One of Europe’s longest snakes is apparently taking up residence in attics and wall cavities across parts of the UK. The Aesculapian snake, capable of reaching a length of two metres (a respectable six feet six inches, taller than many an Englishman!), is proving just as keen on loft conversions as the rest of us. Reports show this adventurous snake – usually a resident of Southern Europe – has found its way to Britain, establishing itself in London and North Wales.
The Aesculapian’s peculiar UK adventure has been anything but a straight forward family holiday. Its British debut reportedly dates back to two escapes: one in the 1970s from the Welsh Mountain Zoo near Colwyn Bay and another around London Zoo, where a rogue population now slithers near Regent’s Canal. These escapes seem to have sparked the establishment of two very persistent snake communities – a scenario straight out of a Monty Python sketch.
| Location | Escape Year | Present Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Colwyn Bay, Wales | 1970s | Woodland, houses, attics |
| London | 1980s | Regent’s Canal, local attics |
According to researchers from Bangor University, it appears these Aesculapian snakes have developed a keen fondness for British buildings. Male snakes, especially, seem to regard human dwellings as cozy spots, with seven out of eight radio-tagged males making forays into attics, wall cavities, and other nooks and crannies. If this all sounds like something out of The Wind in the Willows, you’re not alone. Unlike Britain’s shier native adders, smooth snakes, and grass snakes, which typically scurry away from the bustle of city life, the Aesculapian seems entirely at ease weaving through the heart of human settlements.
To track these slippery squatters, Bangor University scientists equipped 21 of these scaly newcomers with radio transmitters over two full seasons. In what might have resembled a mix of a nature documentary and a classic detective story, they learned that while male snakes were happy climbing up people’s homes, the female snakes opted for quieter, more wooded retreats.
While the very idea of snakes among us might have some British hearts missing a beat or two, experts have reminded us that these snakes are no cause for panic. Aesculapians, though tall by snake standards, are entirely non venomous. Instead of venom, they rely on a ‘friendly squeeze’ to dispatch small mammals – mostly rodents. Still, anyone crossing paths with one of these scaly squatters might be forgiven for mistaking the experience for a live action ghost story.
The management at London Zoo was quick to clarify they are in no way responsible for the bustling snake colony nearby. Zoo officials suggested that these snakes likely escaped from a research study in the 1980s – although, given the longstanding local wildlife population, it seems this urban myth has earned its scales.
To provide a few more handy facts for anyone now nervously glancing at their loft, here’s a rundown on Britain’s newest attic enthusiast:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Aesculapian Snake |
| Length | Up to 2 metres (6ft 6in) |
| Native Regions | Central, Southern, Eastern Europe |
| UK Presence | London (Regent’s Canal), Colwyn Bay |
| Primary Diet | Rodents and small mammals |
| Climbing Ability | Excellent |
| Venomous? | No |
For now, it appears the Aesculapian snake has become a very unexpected addition to British domestic life, joining an already extensive list of eccentric British pests. It’s just as well that they’re harmless; otherwise, next up might be DIY snake deterrents alongside that usual seasonal call for spider proofing. For now, we suggest sealing up any drafts and listening carefully the next time you hear something creaking above your head. You never know – it might be your new, scaly tenant, preparing to curl up for the winter.
