AN unusual visitor has been spotted in a compost heap in Inkberrow – a non-native White Ringneck snake.
The reptile, a native of the United States and Mexico, was spotted by Redditch Standard reader Richard Savage, and it was the second sighting of one in the past four months.
“The first was by a friend of mine who found one under a bag in his garage in April,” said Richard.
“The second was in my compost heap in Inkberrow earlier this week.
“I tried to take a photograph of the one in my compost, but owing to the light and the reptile’s swift movement the photo is poor quality but it clearly is the same species as the first.
“Either the snake travelled four miles and by an incredible coincidence I spotted the same snake this week, or they are breeding locally, or have escaped from a collector.”
Richard contacted the RSPCA thinking they might be concerned that a non-native species might be breeding in the UK but they just sent him information on being cautious around snakes.
The White Ringneck snake is a slightly venomous but largely harmless reptile with rear facing fangs and are considered safe to handle.
It’s recognizable by the distinctive white ring around its neck.
They feed on worms and slugs and can grow up to 15 inches long.
