Known for his previous presenting role on Top Gear, May posted a picture of the snake in question showing it moving up a set of steps close to some grass.
Along with the picture of his find, May tweeted: “Grass snake in the garden. At least, we think it’s a grass snake. Anyone know?”
Grass snake in the garden. At least, we think it’s a grass snake. Anyone know? pic.twitter.com/T5pLryjTGS
— James May (@MrJamesMay) July 20, 2023
James May turns to Twitter followers for help identifying snake found in garden
One follower said: “Barred Grass Snake”
While another replied with a close-up picture of a similar snake: “I gotchu. It is a barred grass snake, Natrix Helvetica”
Some Twitter users were quick to joke about the snake with one saying: “Yes, Natrax helvetica. You can call it the Font Snake.”
Another said: “Ask it what 2+2 equals and if it doesn’t answer 4 it’s not an Adder.”
I gotchu. It is a barred grass snake, Natrix helvetica pic.twitter.com/3wJSNaZKIn
— Albert Cai (@AlbertCai_X) July 20, 2023
While the type of snake hasn’t been confirmed as of yet, the Wildlife Trust has described what a grass snake looks like.
The website says: “The grass snake is usually greenish in colour, with a yellow and black collar, pale belly, and dark markings down the sides.
“Females are bigger than males.”
It adds: “The British population of grass snake belongs to the distinct subspecies Natrix natrix helvetica, but new research published in August 2017 proposed that it should be elevated to full species status, with the name barred grass snake, Natrix helvetica.”
