Here are Southampton's most infamous snake sightings

To cope with our cold winters, all of our native species of snakes go into hibernation for the coldest months, typically from October to March.

Snakes are a rare sight in the UK, but can be spotted in the wild or in gardens during the warmer months – with many being spotted in Southampton.

Here is our round-up of the most shocking sightings in Southampton and Hampshire.

Snake escapes home in Chandler's Ford – August 24, 2022

A large snake was spotted slithering across rooftops in Chandler's Ford after an early hours escape (Image: Submitted) This "massive snake" shocked a number of Ribble Close residents who didn't expect to see an 18 foot-long python that had escape from a home in the area.

Speaking at the time, RSPCA scientific officer, Evie Button said: “Snakes are excellent escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid to make a break for it.”

Python on The Avenue – August 10, 2023

A python seen slithering across a footpath near The Avenue in Southampton was rescued by a passer-by (Image: Submitted) A four-foot-long royal python was spotted on Lovers Walk near The Avenue after being spotted by Southampton resident Alissa Kingham.

The 31-year-old University of Southampton employee said: “I’m an animal lover so I knew I couldn’t just leave him where he was - he could’ve been run over by a cyclist or attacked by a dog or fox.”

North American corn snake found in woman's living room – August 2, 2024

The snake was discovered in a living room (Image: Submitted) Just across the Solent, on the Isle of Wight, resident Janine Watson was shocked when she discovered a North American corn snake, with striking orange and rust coloured markings, resting on the top of her living room blinds.

Snake spotted swimming in the River Itchen – September 3, 2024

The snake was spotted near The White Swan pub (Image: Submitted) More recently, a grass snake - the UK's largest native species - was spotted going for a swim in the River Itchen near The White Swan pub in Mansbridge and Riverside Park.

Snakes spotted in a Mansbridge resident's back garden - September 6, 2024

Grass snakes in a garden in Mansbridge (Image: Submitted) Mansbridge appears to be a hotspot for grass snakes as other residents have shared videos of snakes slithering through their garden pond.