Graves Park snakes: What to do if you find a snake in Sheffield as sightings across country rise

It’s not a question many expected to worry about in South Yorkshire. But snake sightings are on the up for a number of reasons.

It includes how shocked visitors to Graves Park have this month come across African pythons slithering out of the grass – sparking fears for the wellbeing of the animals which cannot survive in cold weather.

It is in line with a phenomenon across the UK due to exotic pet owners reportedly ditching their reptiles, possibly due to the expense of keeping them during the cost of living crisis.

But exotic snakes must be kept warm under heated lamps, and will almost certainly die if left outdoors in British weather.

So what do you do if you find an exotic snake?

What do I do if I find a snake?

The RSPCA has these tips of what to do if you come across a snake or stray reptile in the UK.

– In Britain, there are three native species of snake: adders, grass sakes and smooth snakes. Look these up online to make sure the one in front of you is one that needs help.

– While most British snakes are completely harmless, it is safest to assume an unidentified snake is dangerous.

– Snakes are extremely shy creatures and will try to move away from disturbance

– Enjoy watching them from a distance, but nevertry to pick up a snake.

– A native snake that doesn’t move away when approached may be injured or sick. In this case, consider calling the RSPCA 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.

– If the species isn’t clear, it may by non-native and potentially dangerous.

– If you can, put something like a bucket or container over it or keep an eye on it.

– Call a local reptile shop in your area for advice, or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

What do I do if I get bitten by a snake?

– If you are bitten by a snake, even if you think you’ve identified it, go straight to the hospital but don’t panic

– Try and remember the colour and pattern of the snake that bit you. This will help healthcare staff treat you correctly. You will probably be given antihistamine or antibiotics in hospital.

– If you have been bitten on the arm or leg, keep it elevated.

– Do not try and ‘suck the venom out’.

– If your pet has been bitten, take them straight to the vet.

In the sighting in Graves Park, residents came across three royal pythons – which are harmless to humans and can grow to a metre in length – in the space of 10 days.

They were taken to specialist pet shop Snakes and Adders, on Mansfield Road, Intake, after being picked up by worried residents.

Shop owner Charles Thompson said the animals would have died if they had just been left in the park.

But he also aware of at least 10 snakes and two bearded dragon lizards being dumped in Sheffield in the last eight weeks.