This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/motherfing-snakes-down-this-motherfing-drain-snakes-capable-of-crushing-small-children-invade-regents-canal-9349115.html

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Snakes capable of growing up to two metres in length invade Regent’s Canal Exotic snakes found on banks of Regent's Canal in London could be culled
(about 4 hours later)
A band of foreign snakes are on the loose in North London. A band of exotic snakes that has set up home on the banks of a canal in north London is facing calls to be culled.
Over the last few weeks, 30 Aesculapian snakes, which can grow up to two metres in length, have been spotted up trees, rooftops and climbing up the drains of houses around the Regent’s Canal area. Over the last few weeks, 30 Aesculapian snakes, which can grow up to two metres in length, have been spotted up trees, rooftops and climbing the drains of houses around the Regent’s Canal area.
The snakes that are thought to originate from Yugoslavia have been known to attack small dogs and their numbers now seem to be growing in the capital. Thought to originate from Yugoslavia, the snakes have been known to eat large rats and birds – and their numbers now seem to be growing in the capital.
Tales of snakes being spotted around the Regent’s Canal area began in the 90s, but it was not until the head keeper of reptiles at London Zoo spotted one that they were confirmed as the Aesculupian. Now the species is being threatened after the London Invasive Species Initiative (LISI), government advisory quango, called for a cull of the snakes.
Since then there have been a number of sightings across and these have increased in frequency over the last couple of months. LISI manager, Karen Harper, told the Camden New Journal: “Aesculapian snakes species is listed in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 meaning it is illegal to allow the species to spread or escape into the wild.
This has led to some residents fear that they could start entering houses and causing distress. “At present there is limited information on what affects the species may have on our local ecosystems.” 
Mum-of-three Sylvia Taylor, 33, told the Daily Star: "If they are capable of killing small animals then surely they could constrict small children?" Aesculapians are known for loving milder temperatures than most other reptiles and usually find their homes along river beds or streams. There are many theories as to how the snakes first got to living on the banks of Regent's Canal. One popular tale is that they were released by the Inner London Education Authority as part of a secret scientific experiment.
Aesculapians are known for loving milder temperatures than most other reptiles and usually find their homes along river beds or streams, making Regent’s Canal the perfect place for them to live. Tales of snakes being spotted around the Regent’s Canal area began in the 1990s, but it was not until the head keeper of reptiles at London Zoo spotted one that they were confirmed as the Aesculapian.
There are many theories as to how the snakes first got to living on the banks of Regent's. One popular tale is that they were released on the quiet by the Inner London Education Authority as part of a secret scientific experiment. Ecologists have criticised the plans, claiming the colony of snakes should be ‘preserved.’
Secret scientific experiment or not, since being introduced to London they have succeeded in making the capital their home and their numbers continue to grow.
While the large snakes have been known to attack small dogs, they are more adept at feasting on small rodents and birds – so London's pigeons and rats watch out.