UK Shopper Finds a Live Snake Inside a Bag of Broccoli
A 63-year-old man in the UK says a routine grocery purchase turned into a frightening surprise when he discovered a live snake hidden inside a bag of broccoli.
According to TVBS, Neville Linton from Birmingham visited an Aldi supermarket to stock up on food and bought a bag of broccoli. Three days later, while removing the plastic packaging on his kitchen counter, he noticed something unusual—a snake curled up inside one of the broccoli stems. After looking closer, he realized it was still moving.
“I was terrified,” Linton explained, adding that he has a strong fear of snakes. He said he felt fortunate he didn’t leave the broccoli sitting out, because the reptile could have escaped and ended up loose inside his home.
A Shocking Discovery Sends the Family Into Action
Linton, who works in industrial cleaning, didn’t deal with the situation alone. His sister, Ann-Marie Tenkanemin (57), helped him manage the unexpected find. Together, they carefully placed the broccoli into a tub and returned it to the Aldi store where it had been purchased.
The reaction from staff was immediate. Linton recalled that at first, his sister thought the situation was a joke—until the animal moved. He said the store employee who saw it also appeared visibly alarmed.
Identification at Dudley Zoo: It Was a Young Ladder Snake
After the store visit, Linton and his son, Donovan (41), brought the snake to Dudley Zoo so specialists could identify it. Zoo staff confirmed it was a juvenile ladder snake.
While the ladder snake is not venomous, zoo experts warned it can still deliver a painful bite, making it a concerning discovery for anyone handling it unexpectedly.
Safety Concerns and Calls for Greater Compensation
Although Linton was reportedly offered compensation, he argued it did not reflect the seriousness of what could have happened—especially because he lives with vulnerable family members, including his disabled son and his mother-in-law.
He emphasized that if the snake had escaped into the house, the risk and stress would have been significant. He also pointed to the emotional impact, noting his snake phobia made the experience even more distressing.
Aldi Responds and Promises Investigation
The Aldi branch manager stated that no similar complaints had been reported by other customers. However, the company said it would review the incident and strengthen procedures to help prevent a repeat situation.
An Aldi spokesperson said the supplier had not previously received complaints of this kind and claimed existing safeguards were in place. The company also apologized to Linton, acknowledging that its usual standards were not met.
What Is a Ladder Snake?
The ladder snake is a species commonly found in parts of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, and regions of Italy and France. It typically prefers mild climates and environments with plenty of low cover, such as:
- Hedges and forests
- Vineyards and orchards
- Rodent burrows and hollow trees
- Rocky areas and boulders
Ladder snakes are often solitary and can behave defensively when threatened. They may snap their sharp teeth and release a strong-smelling odor as a deterrent. Despite being carnivorous, they do not seek out humans as prey. Their diet usually includes:
- Rodents such as mice and rabbits
- Birds
- Lizards
- Spiders and insects
The snake found in the broccoli has since been taken in and is now housed at Dudley Zoo.
