If you’re like us on the Secret London team, New Year’s Day required everyone to move slowly, speak quietly, and keep the lights low after the excess of New Year’s Eve. It was thus perfect timing that David Attenborough’s newest show, ‘Wild London’, premiered that evening. With his dulcet tones and soothing pace, it was just the sort of viewing experience we needed. But it was no doubt alarming to discover, halfway through the programme, that there are wild snakes living in London (!).
Now, since ‘Wild London’ centres itself on the hidden and not-so-hidden wildlife that lives in our city (we all see the foxes on a daily basis, right?), we were fully prepared to be surprised. But it nonetheless came as a shock to discover that London is home to a group of non-native Aesculapian snakes, which are one of Europe’s largest snake species. And you could come across them, just by taking a walk along Regent’s Canal!
Wild snakes by Regent’s Canal
This population of wild snakes in London is found along Regent’s Canal, particularly alongside the London Zoo. The snakes are typically native to “central, southern and eastern Europe as well as parts of western Asia”. They’re truly impressive specimens, too, and can grow up to 2 metres in length. It might be difficult (perhaps hearteningly) to spot them along the canal, as they blend in pretty well thanks to their brownish, olive, or grey colourings.
Just like Londoners, they are more active in warmer weather, but fear not, these snakes are not venomous and are not dangerous to humans. They feast on birds, small mammals, and reptiles, so runners and cyclists on the canal don’t need to worry. The snakes aren’t out to get you! They are blooming brilliant climbers, though, so you may spot them in the trees above the canal.
Now, while they are not dangerous to humans, it’s still important to remember that if you come across a wild snake by the canal, you should not touch it! It’s important not to interfere with wildlife when you are out and about.
Fun fact: these snakes haven’t just established a population along London’s Regent’s Canal; there is another population in Colwyn Bay in Wales.
Where did the snakes come from?
Many people who come across the snakes end up calling the nearby London Zoo, assuming that the snakes have escaped somehow. But, while the Zoo does feature a number of snakes within its exhibitions, these wild snakes aren’t zoo escapees. In fact, it’s not entirely clear where they’ve come from.
In his programme, David Attenborough suggests that it’s a mystery as to where the snakes come from. And we’re not about to question the words of a national icon.
But the London Zoo has a different idea as to where they might have slithered out from. In a post on their website, they say, “this particular population became established when an organisation working to study these snakes kept them in a local facility many years ago. The snakes either escaped from this facility or were released from it.”
🐍 Want to find out more about the reptiles and amphibians in London and beyond? Be sure to check out the London Zoo’s exhibition, The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians. Here you can spot “some of the rarest and most unique reptiles and amphibians on Earth”.
📺 If you missed it, you can catch ‘Wild London’ online, or keep an eye out for screenings on BBC One in the future.