'Snakes are on the loose' as RSPCA issues new warning across the UK
The UK's leading animal welfare charity has issued a warning for the public to be on high alert during the balmy summer months for escaped snakes roaming around the country. The nationwide caution comes in the wake of an incident last week (July 7) where the RSPCA was called to deal with a stray snake that had slithered away from a flat situated above a London chippy.
Fresh data, released ahead of National Snake Day (July 16), indicates that reports of snake incidents tend to spike during the hotter months, specifically July, August and September. Last year saw a total of 383 cases reported during this period alone, marking an 18% increase compared to 2023 (323 incidents).
With the advent of heatwaves and warmer weather, the RSPCA is concerned that this summer could see another surge in numbers. In 2024, the charity received nearly 270 calls about loose or stray snakes in areas such as Essex (21), Norfolk (20), Greater Manchester (17), West Yorkshire (17), West Midlands (16) and Hampshire (14).
Snake owners are being urged by experts to exercise extra caution and ensure their pets' enclosures are securely fastened. RSPCA senior scientific officer Evie Button warned that these slithering "escape artists" will seize "take any opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid to make a break for it".
Being ectothermic creatures, snakes depend on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. If their enclosure fails to maintain an appropriate temperature, snakes may attempt to escape to warmer surroundings, reports the Express.
Evie commented: "As the UK continues to swelter this summer, we're braced for another influx of calls. 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.
"Our frontline officers are flat out trying to rescue animals that may be in life-threatening situations. So a few extra minutes checking that your snake is secure could help save our officers' time and allow them to save an animal that's in danger."
The RSPCA has noticed that during the warmer months, some snake owners take their pets outside to bask in the natural sunlight.
While beneficial for reptiles, it's crucial for owners to keep their snakes secure outdoors, as they can become quite active and fast-moving in the heat.
Evie added: "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.
"Exotic pets such as snakes often end up in the RSPCA's care after people realise they're not easy to care for, or the novelty wears off.
"Others are rescued after they have been abandoned or been released on purpose, which then could pose a risk to our native wildlife.
"The RSPCA urges prospective owners of reptiles such as snakes to thoroughly research the needs of the particular species and what is required in the care of the animal, using expert sources.
"People should only consider keeping a snake if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for these needs."
Should you stumble upon a snake that appears to be non-native, the RSPCA recommends maintaining a safe distance, observing the reptile, and consulting their website for guidance on the appropriate course of action.
For further details on what to ponder prior to adopting a snake, head over to the RSPCA's website.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Luton couple with white peacock in garden desperate to find owner
A married couple said they were desperate to find the owner of a white peacock which has taken up residence in their 83, and Bernie Deamer, 81, from Cockernhoe, Hertfordshire, said when it arrived last month, they went online to try and find its owner but got no both said it was a beautiful and friendly bird, which they named "Snowy" as it is completely said police told them that it was possible it had been stolen and then dumped. Mrs Deamer said when Snowy "landed" at their home near Luton, it jumped next door, but when they started putting out food for the pheasant, it came back."He was very, very loud when he first arrived – it was like a strong screech," she said."He just eats the clover and the pheasants' food, and he has never gone for a flower."The couple phoned nearby Hatfield House and Luton Hoo to ask if they owned the bird. They also contacted the RSPCA, but Ms Deamer said it was "not interested as it is not hurt".The RSPB said: "Whilst they can be seen in the wild in India, a lot of white peacocks are bred to be white to be used at events/weddings etc for their colouration."Ms Deamer said the bird is not ringed and they "cannot give it away as it is not our bird".She wanted someone to come and get it, but at the same time, admitted she would miss it if someone did claim it. Mr Deamer said the bird must belong to someone and added: "It could be microchipped, but you need to get close to him to check."He wanders about, and then he disappears. It is a stunning bird"Mrs Deamer said: "The fascinating thing is, at night, it goes about 60 feet up a tree and then comes down the next morning and straight into the garden."She is worried the peacock "won't survive in the winter as it is too open and we have foxes and it will be horrific". Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Fried eggs are 'levelled up' if you add 1 simple ingredient to the pan before cooking
Fried eggs are a classic breakfast favourite - but if you're looking to jazz them up a bit, there's one cooking staple you should add to the pan before you cook them Eggs are a breakfast staple not just in the UK, but globally. With so many ways to cook and serve them, there's always a new tasty addition or topping combo to enjoy. While scrambled, poached and boiled eggs are all cracking choices, nothing quite hits the spot like a perfectly fried egg with a golden yolk. If you're looking to elevate your egg game, the culinary experts at Sift and Simmer suggest adding sesame seeds to your pan for a delightful crunch and an extra hit of flavour and texture. These tiny seeds, a staple in Asian cuisine, lend a satisfying crisp to your fried eggs. Pair it with a drizzle of chilli oil for an extra flavour kick, and you've got yourself a tasty twist on your usual breakfast or brunch. This recipe calls for just a handful of pantry staples. As for the sesame seeds, feel free to use white, black, or a mix of both. And these eggs aren't just for breakfast - they'd make a delicious topping for a rice or noodle dish for dinner. Fans of the recipe have been leaving rave reviews, with one person saying: "Woah - those eggs look amazing!! And I love how you leveled up the flavor with the sesame crust. These need to appear in my now. " Here's how to make them at home, reports the Express. Sesame fried eggs Ingredients Two tablespoons sesame seeds One teaspoon vegetable oil Two large eggs Chilli oil (optional) Salt & pepper to taste Method Warm a frying pan over low-medium heat. Toss in the sesame seeds and toast for about 30 seconds, then drizzle in the vegetable oil over the seeds. Crack the eggs over the sesame seeds and pop a lid on the pan, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Allow the eggs to sizzle away for roughly four to five minutes, or until they reach your desired consistency. When the time's up, utilise a spatula to gently lift the eggs from the frying pan. Put them onto a plate and garnish with additional sesame seeds or chilli oil, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Stop weeds from taking over garden using 2 ingredients that 'actually work'
The Mediterranean Gardener recently showed his followers just how easy it is to rustle up a homemade solution to combat pesky weeds in the garden A savvy gardener has revealed a brilliant DIY weed killer recipe that requires just two household staples you're likely to have in your kitchen. Michael, who goes by The Mediterranean Gardener on TikTok, shared with his followers a simple yet effective concoction for tackling those unwelcome garden invaders. This homemade remedy is perfect for those who prefer to steer clear of chemical-laden and commercial products in their green spaces. The original recipe hails from Gardeners World, but Michael vouched for its efficacy, saying the solution "actually works". Here's how to whip it up. You'll need two popular cleaning agents that are often used in DIY cleaning hacks: distilled vinegar and baking soda, reports the Express. How to make homemade weed killer Michael recommends a 2:1 ratio for the mixture – two parts vinegar to one part baking soda – and cautions against adding too much baking soda at once to prevent an overflow reminiscent of a science experiment volcano. The trick is to add the baking soda gradually, stirring continuously, until the solution is transparent and not milky. Michael advises: "This will create a more effective weed destroyer. Make sure it's all mixed together and add it to a spray bottle." Once you've transferred the mixture into a spray bottle, douse the weeds liberally with your homemade potion. According to the gardening guru, this solution shows the best results when used on young weeds. Vinegar is a powerful liquid that can effectively eliminate weeds, making their removal a breeze. Better Homes & Gardens noted that a vinegar-based mixture works most effectively on smaller, annual weeds. Vinegar can serve as an efficient household remedy thanks to its acidic properties. It contains acetic acid, which functions as a natural herbicide. The acetic acid destroys the plant's cell walls, causing the weeds to wither and ultimately perish. Vinegar will harm any plant it comes into contact with, though it leaves no lasting impact on the soil, meaning fresh weeds can still emerge. Several avid gardeners highlighted that combining these two components might cancel out each other's effectiveness. Michael commented: "If you're going to say mixing the two neutralises itself (I know lol) read below- This is a Gardeners world recipe who are saying councils are trailing this as a weed killer - the only reason I can think of is this. The outcome of a 1:1 mix would create a neutralised solution. Becoming sodium acetate, Co2 and water. I imagine a 2:1 mix means you're left with a distilled vinegar, sodium acetate and water mix. "Sodium acetate has a much lower impact on soil than sodium chloride. It has a minimal impact on soil structure and degrades in the soil quickly. So what you have is a salty, acidic mixture that doesn't have long term effects on the soil as if you were using vinegar and sodium chloride (edible salt)."
