An abandoned snake was brought to the attention of a U.K. veterinarian whose practice didn't handle exotic pets, leaving its caretakers looking for help identifying the animal so they would know its needs.
What followed was an internet-assisted handoff as online snake enthusiasts helped with identification and basic care tips while arrangements were made to move the animal to a specialist.
Here's what to know
The request appeared in r/WhatsThisSnake, where the original poster said their partner worked at a vet that didn't have expertise in exotic pets. They explained that the snake "was found abandoned" and asked whether anyone could identify it or determine if it was venomous.
Commenters compared the snake's markings and body shape. "I've gotten pictures via DMs and confirmed this is a Russian rat snake, Elaphe schrenckii," one Reddit user wrote.
They later explained what pointed them toward that identification, including off-white or yellow striping, keeled scales, and distinctive facial markings. Before they confirmed the species, they had tried to alleviate fears, writing, "It's most definitely a harmless snake either way, so don't worry about venom."
More background
This does not appear to have been a case of a wild snake turning up where it did not belong. The animal was described as abandoned, and it was brought to a general vet practice rather than a specialized rescue center.
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Commenters also discussed the snake's condition. One said the animal was "on the leaner end but still healthy for this species" and "may be a little dehydrated."
What's being done?
The OP updated Reddit on the snake's status, writing, "Good news. We have found an exotic rescue centre not far, and he's going to be taken in there to be looked after until he can get a permanent home. Thank you, everyone."
Short-term advice focused on husbandry. "Adding some hiding spots and a water dish would do a lot in the short term," the first commenter added.
Another person wrote, "Most important are a heat source (preferably an overhead lamp, but heating pad will work in the short term), a place to hide (the blankets are OK, but an opaque overturned container will work just fine), and a dish of water."
More detailed care notes came from a commenter who said they were a long-term keeper of the species. They described Russian rat snakes as "extremely hardy and typically very friendly," noting, "They like it cool — 26-28 C (79-82 Fahrenheit) on the hot side with a basking spot of absolute max 32 C (90 F) provided by a heat lamp."
Other Reddit users commended the OP's desire to help this snake, with the one who mentioned a heating pad writing, "Thanks for doing right by this little friend!"
Where can I learn more?
Unexpected snake encounters tend to raise questions about safety and behavior.
• After TUI's Cancún-to-London flight, a stowaway snake vanished without any passenger ever spotting it.
• A pet owner learned a strange mouth movement by a warming snake was normal.
• Rescuers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, warned that snakes frequently sneak into human settlements as urbanization squeezes habitat.
• In Australia, a homeowner killed a red-bellied black snake, leaving rescuers furious.
• In Singapore, a black spitting cobra by a playground put residents on alert.
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