Python snake shocks passers-by in Oxford High Street

Peter Mills and fiancee Charlie Wren were in Oxford High Street on Saturday with corn snakes Mushu and Felkor, and Royal python Medusa.

The couple, from Cowley Road, took the snakes out so they could enjoy the sunshine.

READ MORE: Large snake videoed slithering in Oxfordshire town

People walking past were visibly shocked and one cyclist started swearing when he saw the snakes.

Mr Mills, 24, said he lived in a one-bedroom flat off Cowley Road with 15 snakes.

Girlfriend Charlie, 23, from Witney, helps him to look after them.

While looking after snakes is a full-time job for Mr Mills, Ms Wren also works as a canine hydrotherapist – using water-based exercises to improve dogs’ mobility, strength, and recovery from injury.

Mr Mills said: “The snakes have been getting lots of attention – we take them out when it’s warm enough – they enjoy the sunshine.

“Some people are shocked and we have been getting lots of comments but these snakes are not poisonous.”

Peter Mills and Charlie Wren with their snakes (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Mr Mills said he got his first snake aged 16 after working with reptiles at Abingdon and Witney College.

He added: “I know 15 snakes is a lot. I rent a one-bedroom flat and the landlord’s fine with it. I had to sign some paperwork.

“For us, this is a bit like taking your dog for a walk – these snakes are our pets and they are getting some Vitamin D.

“People love their cats and dogs and we love our snakes. Snakes don’t return your affection like cats and dogs do.

“They tolerate us and trust that we will feed them.”

Mr Mills also has a cat called Inazuma – which means lightning in Japanese.

Royal pythons are also known as ball pythons and are non-venomous. They are constrictors that kill prey by wrapping their bodies around it, rather than using venom.

Peter Mills and Charlie Wren with their snakes (Image: Andy Ffrench)

In September, a non-venomous grass snake was spotted in Banbury.

There has been an increase in snake sightings over the past couple of years, especially in the summer when the weather is hotter.

RSPCA data revealed there was a total of 383 cases reported from July to September in 2024, an 18 per cent increase from the 323 during the same period in 2023.

Last summer, a “six-foot python” was spotted in the grass at Port Meadow in Oxford.

The reptile was seen moving through the Donnington area of the city and its owner was spotted holding the snake in a bathing area at the beauty spot.