When 63-year-old Neville Linton unwrapped a bag of broccoli purchased from an England Aldi, he discovered a live snake hidden inside the vegetables. The reptile had survived being scooped up by agricultural machinery in southwestern Europe, shipped to the UK, and stored in Linton’s refrigerator for three days.

While zoo staff initially identified the reptile as a young ladder snake, herpetologist Dr. Steven J R Allain believes it was a harmless, non-venomous viperine water snake. Allain explained that the snake likely sought refuge in the broccoli before harvest, and the cold fridge preserved it by lowering its metabolism.

The snake was safely relocated to a local zoo, but Linton is currently seeking higher financial compensation from Aldi due to the emotional distress and the potential risk to his vulnerable family members. An Aldi spokesperson apologized for the isolated incident and stated that they are investigating the matter with their supplier.