A WARNING has been issued for parents to be alert after a family found 25-inch 'snakes' in their garden in Andover.

The family were playing in the garden with their rabbit when they say they made the discovery yesterday (Saturday).

They sent pictures, including the one above, to the Advertiser to warn others to stay alert.

The family, who asked not to be named, told this paper this morning: "We were out playing in the back garden when all of a sudden we spotted what looked like a brown hose pipe near the rabbit's outdoor run.

"It took a few seconds to work out what it was. It then slithered away into a bush and at full length was 25 inches, at least.

"Thankfully our four-year-old didn't find it or try to pick it up, it could easily have been her or the rabbit who came across it.

"You do hear of snakes in Britain and most of them probably aren't deadly, but when you've got kids and animals you just don't want to take any risks."

About 30 minutes later the family then found two more snakes, one grey and of a similar length and another brown one about half the size of the other two.

The RSPCA said the most common types of snake found in England include grass snakes and adders, while slow worms are also common.

Tips if you find one in your garden:

Don’t touch! With the exception of the adder, British snakes are harmless, but it could be an escaped pet which may be venomous. If you suspect the snake is an exotic pet rather than a native species – keep a safe distance and call the RSPCA’s 24-hour helpline 0300 1234 999 for advice.

How can I help the snakes in my garden?

Snakes like ‘wild’ areas – piles of leaves or logs, long grass. Keep an area of the garden untouched and undisturbed – with a compost heap if possible. A garden pond will provide food for grass snakes.

Take two minutes to check for wildlife before mowing or strimming. Netting used for gardening or sports can easily trap snakes and other animals, resulting in injury or death; check netting daily for trapped animals and remove netting when no longer in use.

What if I don’t want snakes in my garden?

Snakes avoid humans wherever possible – you may not even realise that you share your garden with one. However if you’re not comfortable with the idea of snakes in your garden, the best deterrent is to remove whatever attracts them;

remove wood piles, leaf litter and keep grass short
use an enclosed compost bin
increase activity in the garden – snakes shy away from busy areas
repair holes and cracks in walls and patios (make sure there are no animals inside first).

There’s a snake in my garden that needs help – what do I do?

A native snake that doesn’t move away when approached may be injured or sick. For help with a snake you think is injured or sick, call the RSPCA's 24-hour helpline on 0300 1234 999.