Snake found living on Southern Rail train since August dies

British Transport Police officers called Gareth North from Mitcham Zoo to help with the reptile at around 11pm on December 16.

Photos show the snake on the floor of the train carriage at Selhurst Train Depot - it had been travelling between London, Kent and Sussex.

Gareth North from NCRW and Mitcham Zoo (Image: Mitcham Zoo)

Earlier this morning, a spokesperson for Mitcham Zoo told News Shopper that the reptile passed away today (December 28).

• READ MORE: Four-foot snake found living on train at south east London station

It is presumed that the snake died due to organ failure after having no access to water while on the train.

The owner of the snake, who wishes to remain anonymous, presumed the snake was lost at home in August, and was waiting for the snake to come out of hiding within the home.

Mitcham Zoo says it has now offered the owner the opportunity to rehome a recue that has come in.

The spokesperson said the zoo said the opportunity will be “beneficial to the owner and to the animal”.

Just yesterday (December 27), Mr North told News Shopper that the snake was "hungry and dehydrated but doing okay".

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Mr North added: "It's a four-foot corn snake, its sex is currently unknown.

"It has superficial injuries from being trapped in the heat grate trying to squeeze through.

"The injuries are old, not new when found, which suggests it has been on the train carriage for some time." 

He said the snake most likely escaped from a travel container or bag while being transported by its owner.