Forestry England said rats had infiltrated pods housing amphibians and reptiles.

PhD student reassures snakes found in walls and roofs in Wales are completely harmless to humans.

Shay Robertson's neighbours had a fright when they spotted the snake hiding under their sofa.

Staff from a wildlife rescue say they found the family-of-four "standing outside in the garden".

The five foot snake was lethargic and severely dehydrated after possibly been abandoned nearby.

Chris Moisier believes the two reptiles were abandoned.

Thought to be a ball python, the reptile had been missing for a week before Tom Gallant spotted it.

A conservationist says "it's best just to leave it alone" if anybody encounters the snake.