Britain’s biggest animal welfare charity has warned that people should be extra vigilant in the warm summer months for escaped snakes slithering around the country. The UK-wide warning comes after the RSPCA responded to reports of a stray serpent which had escaped from a flat above a London fish and chip shop last week (July 7).
New data – launched ahead of National Snake Day (July 16) – revealed that snake incident reports peak in the warmer months, including July, August and September. Last year, a total of 383 cases were reported during that period alone, an 18% rise compared to 2023 (323 incidents).
Amid the heatwaves and warmer weather, the RSPCA fears totals for this summer could rise again. In 2024, the charity was called almost 270 times about loose or stray snakes in areas like Essex (21), Norfolk (20), Greater Manchester (17), West Yorkshire (17), West Midlands (16) and Hampshire (14).
Experts are advising snake owners to be particularly careful and to double-check that the animals’ enclosures are securely fastened. RSPCA senior scientific officer Evie Button said these slithering “escape artists” will “take any opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid to make a break for it”.
Snakes are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. If their enclosure isn’t maintaining a suitable temperature, snakes may try to escape to warmer areas.
Evie added: “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.”
She added: “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.”
Another reason snakes escape in the summer is that some owners take them outside to take advantage of the natural sunlight. While sunlight is good for reptiles, the RSPCA urges owners to ensure that their pet is kept secure when doing so, as they can warm up and move very quickly on a sunny day.
Evie continued: “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.”
If anyone finds a snake they believe is non-native, the RSPCA advises keeping a safe distance, monitoring the snake, and visiting the charity’s website for advice on what to do. For more information on what to consider before adopting a snake, visit the RSPCA’s website here.
