Hidden breed of snakes discovered by Bournemouth University student

A PHd student from Bournemouth University has conducted a research paper into a hidden breed of snakes which worked their way into UK homes. 

The research was launched at Bangor University in summer 2021 by Tom Major and Lauren Jeffrey, who found that a population of 70 adult Aesculapian snakes slid into properties surrounding Colwyn Bay in north Wales.

A research paper, set to be released later this year, discovered this “introduced” species of snake had been crawling up walls and into attics, where they hibernated.

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.

“Snakes are fascinating because they are so mysterious, but people should know they are not going to start popping up everywhere and there is no reason to be afraid.”

Now Tom has moved to Bournemouth, the next stage of his research will involve collaborating with London Zoo to study how many snakes have popped up across England.

The species first surfaced around 150,000 years ago before going extinct, but have returned to being spotted in public over the last few decades.

Tom has received a number of distressed emails from local residents worried the snakes may next come to their home, but Tim clarified residents have no need to be afraid.

Tom’s research paper will be released later this year, noting that this breed of snake has been drawn to urban areas across the UK.