A species of snake known as Aesculapian, which can grow to around six-and-a-half feet, are thriving in areas of Britain for the first time in more than 300,000 years
Huge snakes the size of humans have invaded parts of the UK for the first time in more than 300,000 years.
A new study by experts at Bangor University claimed the Aesculapian snake was “accidentally” introduced to Colwyn Bay, North Wales, and London recently. The slithery reptiles can grow to around six-and-a-half feet in length and are native to central and southern Europe, reaching to northern France.
Despite its size the snake mostly eats rodents such as mice and rats and are non venomous. However they are continuing to thrive in this country, but are rapidly declining in Europe.
A report by the university said: “Two accidental introductions have allowed this species to thrive in Britain. It is not actually novel to our shores, but it disappeared during a previous ice age and has probably been absent for about 300,000 years.
“While the introduced UK populations appear to be thriving, recent surveys of this snake in the southern parts of its range have discovered a rapid decline, potentially due in part to climate change. Given their status as a non-native species, we were keen to find out how Aesculapian snakes are surviving in chilly north Wales, further north than anywhere they currently occur naturally.
“To do this, we implanted 21 snakes with radio transmitters and spent two summers tracking them around the countryside. Our results surprised us. The snakes had a trump card which seemed to help them weather the cool climate.
“They were frequently entering buildings – relatively warm refuges – while they were digesting food or preparing to shed their skin. They also used garden compost bins for shelter and to incubate their eggs.
“Even more surprisingly, most residents did not mind the snakes. In fact, many had no idea they had snakes as neighbours because they kept such a low profile, typically hiding in attic corners.”
The experts have called on the reptiles to be allowed to continue amid conservation efforts. Co-author Professor Wolfgang Wüster told MailOnline: “Any dog, even the smallest, could easily kill an Aesculapian snake, and rabbits are much too big to serve as prey.
“The largest prey item they would normally eat would be the size of a large mouse or vole.”
