The Aesculapian snake has returned after 300,000 years (Image: Getty)
A snake species which hasn’t been seen in the UK for over 300,000 years has returned to British shores and can grow up to six-and-a-half feet long.
Despite being relatively rare in their native habitats due to rapid decline, Aesculapian seem to be flourishing in the UK.
The Aesculapian , a nonvenomous species native to central and southern Europe, has found its way into the UK following two separate ‘accidental’ introductions—one in Colwyn Bay, North Wales following an escape from Welsh Mountain Zoo, and another along Regent’s Canal in London.
London Zoo has denied responsibility for the population of Aesculapian snakes near the zoo and Regent’s Canal and are believed to have either escaped or been released by a group studying them in the area during the 1980s, .
A recent study by states that the snake species has returned due to climate change and human transport.
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The Aesculapian snake can grow up to 6.5ft-long (Image: Getty)
The study reveals that these snakes have found refuge in unusual places, such as attics and garden compost bins, which provide warmth during cooler weather, aiding their survival in regions colder than their natural range.
The Aesculapian snake primarily feeds on rodents and is known for its long, slender body, which can grow up to around six-and-a-half feet in length.
This snake is a highly skilled climber, often spotted in trees and bushes and hunts during the day, preying on small birds, mammals, and reptiles.
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Native to central and southern Europe, the snakes had disappeared from the UK for 300,000 years (Image: Getty)
The experts said in the report: “While Aesculapian snakes are present in the fossil record of the UK, they have been absent for likely 300,000 years.
“Worldwide, animal ranges are shifting poleward or to higher elevation as the climate warms dramatically because of human activity.
“The UK is now home to an increasing number of mobile species which can travel over sea from further South, including numerous moths and butterflies, and wetland birds.”
North Wales is likely its northern limit, with buildings and vegetation helping it thrive.
While the species has adapted well, the study suggests that this success does not necessarily indicate ideal conditions, but rather the adaptability of the Aesculapian snake as a species capable of thriving in mixed habitats near humans.
The study stated: “Aesculapian snakes are adaptable generalists, capable of using mixed habitat and unafraid of using buildings and other features in close proximity to humans.”