**RSPCA Issues Summer Alert Over Escalating Snake Escapes Across the UK**
As temperatures rise across the UK, the RSPCA, Britain’s largest animal welfare charity, has issued an urgent summer alert warning the public to be on the lookout for escaped snakes. The warning emphasises a seasonal spike in incidents, as more pet snakes go missing during the warmer months.
Reports of snakes ‘on the loose’ have increasingly come to the fore, following a recent incident in which a snake managed to escape from a flat situated above a fish and chip shop in London. The event, which occurred last week, exemplifies the charity’s concerns about the ease with which snakes can slip away undetected, especially during bouts of hot weather.
According to newly released figures from the RSPCA, the number of snake escape reports rises significantly each summer. Data presented ahead of National Snake Day, observed on 16 July, highlighted that July, August, and September consistently see the highest number of calls. In 2024 alone, the charity received nearly 270 reports of stray or lost snakes, with counties such as Essex, Norfolk, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, and Hampshire reporting the highest occurrences.
Interestingly, Wales has mirrored the broader UK trend. Cardiff accounted for the most reports this year, followed by Swansea, Flintshire, and Wrexham. The data suggests a growing necessity for pet owners to reconsider the security of their animals, especially during heatwaves when snakes are more inclined to seek out warmth and, consequently, find escape routes.
Many UK residents are surprised to learn that the country has three native snake species — the adder, grass snake, and smooth snake. Only the adder carries venom, but the growing number of exotic snakes kept as pets has added another dimension to the risk of unplanned encounters with the public.
The RSPCA has taken the opportunity to remind snake owners about their pets’ remarkable ability to find even the smallest gaps, and the importance of thoroughly securing enclosures. Evie Button, a senior scientific officer at the charity, described snakes as “escape artists” and cautioned that inadequately secured tanks and loose-fitting lids can lead to snakes breaking free in search of a more suitable environment or warmth.
As cold-blooded creatures, snakes rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. When their terrarium conditions are less than ideal — for instance, if a heat lamp fails on a warm day — snakes are particularly motivated to find a more comfortable location, often venturing much further than owners might suspect. Once outdoors, a snake can travel surprisingly rapidly, making recapture challenging.
Adding to the complexity, some owners allow snakes to bask outdoors in natural sunlight. While controlled sun exposure can benefit reptilian pets, it dramatically increases the chance that a snake may escape if not properly supervised and contained. The RSPCA strongly encourages owners to double-check enclosures before and after time outdoors.
Another troubling element noted by the RSPCA is the high incidence of abandoned exotic pets. Many new owners underestimate the commitment involved in snake care, leading to cases where reptiles are left to fend for themselves. Such abandonment can have dire consequences, for both the animal and local wildlife.
The charity urges anyone considering adopting a snake to carefully research the needs of their chosen species, using trusted sources. Only commit if fully confident you can meet those requirements over the course of the animal’s life.
Should anyone encounter an unfamiliar or exotic snake in their local area, the safest course of action is to maintain a respectful distance and consult the RSPCA website for advice. The charity’s officers urge the public not to attempt to approach or capture the creature themselves.
The rise in snake escape incidents serves as a timely reminder for all exotic pet owners to maintain vigilance over enclosure security, ensuring their pets’ safety and avoiding unnecessary strain on animal rescue resources.