Brit uni pupil discovers breed of ‘hidden’ snake that likes to dwell in attics
The UK is home to a breed of snake that likes to slither up household walls and into attics, a university student has found.
Bournemouth University Phd student Tim Major, focused on the reptile for his research paper, the findings of which were launched at Bangor University, by himself and team member Lauren Jeffrey.
They found that a population of 70 adult Aesculapian snakes had snuck their way into properties around Colwyn Bay in north Wales, reports Buzz.
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They discovered the snake, which can grow up to two-metres liked to hibernate in people’s attics, sliding up walls to get there. New Scientists reports the reptile also likes to breed in these warm spaces, and is fond of compost heaps too.
(Image: Youtube / @BritishHerpetology)
Tom said: “These species have been in Wales and London since the 70s, so this is not news to local people, but news to the wider population.
“Some people were obviously a bit surprised and scared to find that snakes had been hibernating in their homes, but most considered it a privilege to have wild animals living along them.”
Tom said that snakes are “fascinating” because they are “so mysterious”, however not everyone agrees. The student has received a number of distressed emails from locals worried the snakes will slid into their homes.
(Image: Youtube / @BritishHerpetology)
Tom dismissed the idea, saying: “People should know they are not going to start popping up everywhere and there is no reason to be afraid.”
Tom will collaborate with London Zoo for the next stage of his research which looks at how many snakes have appeared across England.
His research paper will be released later this year which notes Aesculapian snakes have been drawn to urban areas across the UK.
(Image: Getty Images)
Aesculapian snakes are an introduced nonvenomous species, which first appeared around150,000 years ago before becoming extinct. In recent years, they have resurfaced, and have been spotted in public over the last decades.
In London, you can find the snakes around Regent’s canal and London Zoo, according to the London Zoo.
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