Commuters could barely believe their eyes when a snake was spotted on the train from Shipley to Leeds yesterday, on Saturday 22 July.
A picture of the snake in question was shared on Twitter by @soph_johnstone, who wrote: “OH LORD there is an actual SNAKE on this train.”
The orange snake could be seen slithering out from under a seat near to the train doors.
Sophie updated those following the story a few minutes later and shared a picture of a very chaotic-looking train with passengers standing up and moving along the carriage.
She said: “Chaotic scenes on the Shipley to [sic] Leeds train. Snake moves. Carriage moves.”
A railway worker replied to Sophie’s post and confirmed that the snake is now being looked after by the RSPCA.
He added: “We’re still at a loss as to where it has come from though. All very bizarre. Never a dull day on the railway!”
Although the breed of snake has not been confirmed, it is believed to be a corn snake due to its size and colour.
Corn snakes may bite under stress or if they smell food, but they are not venomous, according to the RSPCA.
The snakes, which are often kept as pets, will flick their tongues and have clear, bright eyes, and can grow up to 150cm long.
While some commenters were terrified by the snake, others couldn’t help but make jokes about the situation.
One user wrote: “Did it get on at Sssssteeton and sssssilsden?”
Another tweeted: “Well are you expecting it to bike around or what?”
“Sssssssouthern railwaysssssss or Gatwick Expressssssss?” a third joked.
Other Twitter users made reference to the 2006 action film starring Samuel L. Jackson, Snakes On A Plane, which involves dozens of snakes being released on a passenger plane.
“Thought it was supposed to be a plane? Maybe it’s on its way to Heathrow,” one person joked.
Another said: “Movie marketing is getting carried away these days. Looking forward to action sequel #SnakesOnATrain.”
