Bright orange snake sparks chaos and panic after being spotted on Yorkshire train

It is believed the red and orange animal is likely a corn snake.

A commuter snapped a photograph of the reptile and uploaded it to social media.

Sophie Johnstone wrote: “Oh Lord, there is an actual snake on this train.”

She added: “Chaotic scenes on the Shipley to Leeds train. Snake moves. Carriage moves.”

Johnstone’s first post was viewed by more than 2.8 million Twitter users.

One user replied: “I would lock myself in the toilet.”

Another joked: “I hope it had a ticket!”

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) advised pet owners to keep their snakes secure earlier this month amid concern about soaring temperatures.

The group warned hot weather can “make the animals very active and more likely to escape”.

The RSPCA received more than 1,200 reports about snakes last year, with the most made during the summer.

June, July and August saw as many as six reports every day.

Research commissioned by UK Pet Food in 2023 found that there are approximately 700,000 snakes kept in the United Kingdom.

Corn snakes, pythons, and boa constrictors are three of the most popular species to keep as household pets.

Evie Button, senior scientific officer at the RSPCA, said: “This is not surprising, as snakes become more active during hot weather.

“So we would urge all pet snake owners to be extra vigilant at this time of year, invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and make sure that the enclosure is kept secure – and locked if necessary – when unattended.”