Snakes on a train: Commuter chaos after reptile spotted slithering through carriage

24 July 2023, 06:31

By EJ Ward

Commuters were left seriously creeped out when a slippery serpent slithered onto their train carriage.

The reptile was spotted on the train travelling from Shipley to Leeds on Saturday. It is believed to be a corn snake and was discovered on the West Yorkshire route near a door.

A picture of the snake in question was shared on Twitter by @soph_johnstone, who wrote: “OH LORD there is an actual SNAKE on this train.”

The orange snake could be seen slithering out from under a seat near to the train doors. 

Sophie updated those following the story a few minutes later and shared a picture of a very chaotic-looking train with passengers standing up and moving along the carriage.

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A railway worker replied to Sophie’s post and confirmed that the snake is now being looked after by the RSPCA.

He added: “We're still at a loss as to where it has come from though. All very bizarre. Never a dull day on the railway!”

The snake sighting comes as hot summer weather drives the reptiles to become more active and prone to escaping enclosures. The RSPCA has fielded an influx of over 1,200 snake reports annually, peaking in the summer months of June through August.

As pet snake ownership has risen dramatically to 700,000, the RSPCA urges owners to secure enclosures this time of year when snakes become restless. Escaped pet snakes often sneak into hiding spots like bags without owners realizing they have fled.

Evie Button, senior scientific officer at the RSPCA, said: “This is not surprising, as snakes become more active during hot weather.

“So we would urge all pet snake owners to be extra vigilant at this time of year, invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and make sure that the enclosure is kept secure – and locked if necessary – when unattended.”

Twitter users were quick to make light of the situation with one joking: "Movie marketing is getting carried away these days. Looking forward to action sequel Snakes On A Train."

Hazera Forth wrote in response: “The one at home has often escaped into a laptop bag or other snug place. It’s entirely possible the person had no idea they were carrying it out of the house.”