Rare Snake Found Near Primary School in Withywood Park, South Bristol
A rare snake was discovered near a primary school in Withywood Park, South Bristol, during a morning walk. The unusual reptile was spotted by a dog walker who noticed a lidded box in the park and, upon opening it, found the snake inside.
Kirstie, a dedicated volunteer at Withywood Park, described the find as “probably the strangest thing we’ve ever seen in the park.” She initially feared the snake might be dead, but the reptile surprised her by lifting its head, appearing weak but alive.
Avon and Somerset Police quickly responded to the scene, rescuing the snake and taking it to a vet in Whitchurch before transferring it to a specialist reptile charity. Authorities noted the animal “was cold and lethargic and, if left any longer, may have died.”
Known locally for her pet rescues, Kirstie admitted she had never handled a snake before. “I wasn’t worried about it being dangerous—it didn’t have the energy to harm anyone,” she said.
Kirstie suspects the snake was abandoned. She added, “I understand people are struggling with the cost of living, but I just wish those who cannot care for pets would reach out for help instead of abandoning them.”
This unusual incident highlights the importance of reporting abandoned or injured wildlife promptly and raises awareness about responsible pet ownership in the Bristol area.