Neville Linton’s trip to the supermarket took an unexpected turn when he discovered a snake in his broccoli. The 63-year-old’s shocking find has left him seeking compensation and highlighting the importance of education about reptiles.
Linton purchased the broccoli from an Aldi store in Stourbridge, England, and stored it in his fridge for three days. When he unwrapped the vegetables, he was startled to see the unwanted guest.
“I’m not good with snakes,” Linton admitted. “It’s lucky I didn’t leave the broccoli out, or it would’ve been loose in the house.” His concern was heightened due to two vulnerable family members living with him.
With the help of his sister, Ann-Marie, Linton contained the snake and returned it to the store. The reptile was eventually taken to Dudley Zoo, where it was identified as a young ladder snake. However, herpetologist Dr. Steven J R Allain suspects it might be a viperine water snake, a harmless fish-eating species found in southwestern Europe and northern Africa.
According to Dr. Allain, the snake likely hitched a ride in the broccoli field and survived the journey due to its ability to go months without food. The chilling of the fridge also helped slow its metabolism.
While Linton seeks compensation for the distressing experience, Dr. Allain emphasizes the importance of education and understanding about snakes. “It isn’t the snake’s fault it ended up in the wrong place,” he said. “Hopefully, its new home at Dudley Zoo can help break down fears of snakes.”
The incident has sparked varied reactions, with some finding humor in the situation while others express concern for Linton’s well-being. Aldi has apologized and is investigating the incident, stating that their supplier has robust processes in place to prevent such issues.
As for Linton, he remains unsatisfied with the offered compensation, citing the significant risk to his family and his own phobia of snakes. The unexpected grocery surprise has become a learning experience, highlighting the importance of awareness and understanding of the natural world.
In the end, the snake’s journey from the Mediterranean to Linton’s kitchen serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the unexpected surprises that can come with it.
