Snake on the loose in London: California kingsnake escapes from owner’s flat near Shepherd’s Bush

Council warns residents about ‘unacceptable situation’

A California kingsnake is reported to be on the loose in west London (Wikimedia Commons)

A snake is reported to be on the loose in London, as a council warned residents to remain alert to the potential threat.

The California kingsnake reportedly escaped from an enclosure in its owner’s flat near Goldhawk Road in Shepherd’s Bush.

According to London24.com, the snake slithered to freedom on Monday but Hammersmith and Fulham council said the matter was “being dealt with as best we can under the circumstances”.

Residents of Drake Court, Scotts Road received letters from the local authority warning them about the reptile.

One worried flat tenant said: “When I got home, there was a home-made sign up in the lobby warning about the escapee. I thought it was a joke, but then when I opened my front door I found the letter from the council!

“I can’t imagine this snake is a terrible threat, but probably kids and pets are being kept extra safe.”

The California kingsnake is a relatively small, nonvenomous breed originally from North and Central America. Due to their varied and deceptively alarming colours they are among the most popular snakes kept in captivity around the world.

The letter from Hammersmith and Fulham council reportedly read: “Please try not to worry about the situation as it’s in hand and we hope that the snake is found and housed so not to cause any further panic and worry.

“We are aware that this is an unacceptable situation, however, the matter is being dealt with as best as we can under the circumstances.”