A man in Birmingham, UK, was shocked to discover a snake inside a bag of broccoli he had purchased from Aldi. Neville Linton, 63, found the snake still alive in the broccoli’s stem after three days. Terrified, as he has a fear of snakes, Linton’s sister helped him take the vegetable to the store, where the manager was also startled. They later identified the snake as a young ladder snake, which is non-venomous but can bite defensively.

However, some experts, including herpetologist Dr. Steven J. R. Allain, believe it may have been a viperine water snake, a harmless species found in Southern Europe. Linton expressed concern over the potential danger to vulnerable family members, including his disabled son and mother-in-law.

Aldi apologized for the incident, promising to review their safety procedures. The snake, now residing at Dudley Zoo, may have hidden in the broccoli during harvest in Mediterranean regions. Despite its frightening appearance, the snake poses little danger to humans.