An escaped Mexican black kingsnake native to the Americas is on the loose in Elephant and Castle.
Stunned Oswin Street residents first spotted the three-foot-long visitor slithering through a neighbour’s garden on Tuesday evening (June 27).
Reptile experts have assured the public that the constrictor is “totally harmless” and urged people to get in touch if they spot it.
Chris Newman of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare said: “The reality is it’s totally harmless. It’s a constrictor but it doesn’t pose any threat to adults or children.”
He said the snake, recognisable by its jet-black scales and iridescent underside, would be feeding on mice. Chris added it could fall prey to a local cat.
As a constrictor, it kills its prey through strangulation and doesn’t have any venom.
Oswin Street resident Olive Collier said a builder was the first to spot it and started sharing photos and footage with neighbours.
“People are talking about it in the streets,” she said. “We don’t know who it belongs to and as far as we know nobody in the street owns one.”
Local councillor Graham Neale said: “We’ve been trying to reassure residents without causing panic.
“While the animal is not poisonous, it has caused a scare. Snakes are wild animals and keeping them as pets can never match their natural environment.”
Relatedarticles
His colleague Cllr Maria Linforth-Hall said: “We were pleased that people got in touch with us so that we were able to help. We will be speaking to residents to reassure them they are not in danger.”
Those who spot the snake are asked to call the National Centre for Reptile Welfare on 07897692060.
The RSPCA recommends that anyone who sees a stray exotic snake keeps a safe distance, monitor the animal, and call the charity’s helpline on 0300 1234 999.
