Unexpected Encounter: Man Discovers Snake in Grocery Bag
A trip to the supermarket turned into an unforgettable experience for 63-year-old Neville Linton from Stourbridge, England. After purchasing a bag of broccoli from Aldi, he stored it in his fridge, completely unaware of the surprise that awaited him.
Three days later, while preparing a meal, Neville was greeted by an unexpected guest—a snake. Astonished and frightened, Neville, who works in industrial cleaning, quickly realized the creature was no ordinary caterpillar.
“It was pretty frightening. I’m not good with snakes,” Neville said. “It’s lucky I didn’t just leave the broccoli out in the kitchen, or it would have been loose in the house. That would have been a huge risk for us because we have two vulnerable people living here.”
Reacting swiftly, Neville called his sister, Ann-Marie Tenkanemin, for help. She identified the creature as a snake. The two carefully placed it in a container and headed back to the Aldi store where the purchase was made. The store staff, equally shocked, witnessed the snake move, further confirming their fears.
Specialists at a local zoo identified the reptile as a young ladder snake. However, herpetologist Dr. Steven J R Allain, also known as The pop-punk Herpetologist, reviewed a photo of the snake and concluded it was actually a viperine water snake (Natrix maura), a harmless fish-eating species from southwestern Europe and northern Africa.
Dr. Allain, a seasoned zoologist and researcher, explained that the snake likely ended up in the broccoli field before being accidentally packed and shipped to the UK. He noted that while the snake’s journey was arduous, it survived due to its ability to endure long periods without food and the low temperatures of the refrigerator.
“Viperine water snakes are dangerous only if you’re a fish (or a frog). They do not bite humans as a defense mechanism and are non-venomous to humans,” Dr. Allain stated. He added that with more education and understanding about snakes, such situations could be handled more positively.
Despite the reassurance, Neville is seeking compensation for the ordeal. The father-of-three emphasized the emotional toll and potential risks to his disabled son and elderly mother-in-law, who live with him. “It’s just not good enough,” Neville said.
A spokesperson from Aldi confirmed they are investigating the incident and have apologized to Neville for not meeting their usual high standards. The story has since gained media attention, sparking various reactions from the public.
As for the snake, it now resides at Dudley Zoo, where it serves as a reminder of the unexpected adventures that can arise from the simplest grocery run.