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  • Help! I've found an animal
  1. Home
  2. Help! I've found an animal

Help! I've found an animal

We receive many enquiries from members of the public who have found an amphibian or reptile in an unexpected place. Below you will find advice on what to do; if you have found a snake in your garden, if you suspect you have found an escaped pet snake or if you have found a non-native amphibian or reptile stowaway.

If you have found a native frog, toad, newt, snake or lizard in your home or garden, or in a public place, please visit our amphibian and reptile species information pages and Frequently Asked Questions section for more information and don’t forget to report your sighting!

Non native species and pets FAQ

Non native species and pets FAQ

Frequently asked questions about pets and non natives! Read more

Published: 24th March, 2023

Updated: 14th July, 2023

Author: Shane Gausden

I've found an animal in my house

I've found an animal in my house

ARC's guide on what to do when you find an amphibian or reptile in your house. Read more

Published: 23rd January, 2023

Updated: 9th February, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Stowaways

Stowaways

Have you found a reptile or amphibian stowaway? Read our advice on what to do next Read more

Published: 4th January, 2023

Updated: 23rd January, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Snakes in gardens

Snakes in gardens

Advice on what to do if you find a snake in your garden. Read more

Published: 21st June, 2016

Updated: 4th March, 2024

Author: Anonymised User

Escaped pet snakes

Escaped pet snakes

Is the snake I've found an escaped pet? What to do if you find a non-native snake. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2016

Updated: 11th May, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

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ARC eNews

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Published: 27th April, 2017

Updated: 28th April, 2025

Author: Anonymised User

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Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
744 Christchurch Road
Boscombe
Bournemouth
Dorset BH7 6BZ

ARC Ecological Services Ltd
744 Christchurch Road
Boscombe
Bournemouth
Dorset BH7 6BZ

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