50-year-old escapes from Welsh Mountain Zoo led to population of Aesculapian snakes in North Wales homes.
A population of Aesculapian snakes, one of Europe's largest non-venomous species, has been discovered living in homes in North Wales, originating from an escape at the Welsh Mountain Zoo 50 years ago. A Bangor University study found around 240 snakes, averaging 5 feet in length, residing in attics and walls. While they primarily feed on birds and small mammals, instances of cannibalism were noted, including a rare case of a male eating a female. The snakes pose no danger to humans.
October 28, 2024
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