Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan has revealed her desperate plea to "get me out" after a close encounter with a snake. The BBC star shared her story while discussing a 2016 incident in Ipswich, where a man discovered an exotic reptile in his back garden.
Garden Discovery Turns Into a Nightmare
Mark Sampson was building an art studio at the bottom of his garden when he lifted a railway sleeper and found a large black snake hiding underneath. He described the experience as a "nightmare," as he had no idea what the creature was.
On Channel 5's Garden Makeovers from Hell, Michaela commented: "I love snakes. However, I think if I found a snake in my garden, I think even the toughest person is going to be pretty freaked out." She advised maintaining a "healthy respect" for snakes and avoiding handling them without proper understanding.
Rescue and Identification
Zoologist Kevin Wallace from Otley College and Katy Hackett safely captured the reptile in a pillowcase and released it in woodland. The RSPCA advises leaving snakes undisturbed. Initially mistaken for a large grass snake, it was later identified as a Mexican black kingsnake, a non-venomous constrictor native to warmer climates but capable of a "nasty bite."
Richard Johnson of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust confirmed the identification, noting that Mexican black kingsnakes typically grow to four to five feet, making this individual a fully grown adult.
Michaela's Own Snake Experience
Michaela recalled a filming incident where a snake was placed around her neck. She mimicked being constricted, saying: "Yeah, okay, okay...okay, people. People, please get me out of this now!" She wrapped her hand around her throat to convey the sensation of being strangled.
Mark Sampson recounted his shock: "I was in a really buoyant mood. I had my top off because the sun was out, and I was clearing debris. I looked under the railway sleepers and couldn't register what I was seeing. I knew I didn't have any inner tubes or black hose in the garden. Then I realised it was a snake! This is a nightmare! I hate snakes!"
Catch Springwatch on BBC Two tonight (Wednesday, June 3) from 8pm to 9pm.
