The Aesculapian snake, which is one of Europe’s largest, growing up to about 2 metres in length, is thought to be living in homes across the UK.

A study suggests the species is making itself comfortable in attics and wall cavaties of UK homes, reports Sky News.

The news organisation says although the snakes aren’t native, they can be found in London and in Wales after two potential “escapes”.

It’s thought the snakes have been found near London Zoo and Regent’s Canal as well as in the Colwyn Bay area in North Wales.

A study on the snakes revealed they were "actively seeking and returning to use inhabited buildings", reports Sky News.

Bangor University researchers saw them "climbing large structures to access the attics and wall cavities of houses".

London Zoo said: “London Zoo and Regent’s canal are home to a population of non-native Aesculapian snakes (Zamenis longissimus), one of Europe’s largest snake species which is native to central, southern and eastern Europe as well as parts of western Asia.”

Sky News added: “Some are living in the wild around Colwyn Bay after escaping from the Welsh Mountain Zoo in the 1970s, the authors of the study said.

“London Zoo says it is not responsible for the population of the snakes around the tourist attraction and nearby canal.

“Instead, the snakes are thought to have been released or escaped from a group in the area that was studying them in the 1980s.”

Are Aesculapian snakes dangerous for humans?

London Zoo’s website added: “In recent years there have been several sensationalised media stories with headlines indicating that these snakes are capable of killing cats, dogs or even children.

“The reality is that these snakes are not dangerous, they are non-venomous and excellent climbers. They feed on birds, small mammals and reptiles which they hunt and constrict.”

The zoo shared that this type of snake can “grow up to about 2 m in length”.

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It explained: “Aesculapian snakes can grow up to about 2 m in length and are brownish, olive or grey in colour whereas juveniles have dark markings on their head and a creamy collar.

“Aesculapian snakes become more active in warmer weather and mating snakes perform courtship dances which are mesmerising to watch. They are egg laying, and females lay about 5-11 eggs in a clutch.”

Do not touch warning to anyone who sees an Aesculapian snake

Although the snakes aren’t dangerous to humans, London Zoo urges anyone who sees one to avoid touching it or attempting to pick it up.

It said: “We record all sightings on a wildlife database, to monitor the population.

"We ask our visitors to inform a member of staff if they are lucky enough to spot one during their visit so we can record the sighting on our wildlife database.”