Snake Falls Out of Toy Box During Child’s Birthday, Shocking Mum in Liverpool

A mum from Norris Green, Liverpool was left horrified after a bright orange snake unexpectedly fell out of a toy box during her daughter’s third birthday celebration on Sunday, August 10. Jennifer Baker, 30, initially thought her sons were playing a prank—until the reptile flicked its tongue and began slithering across her kitchen.

Earlier that day, Jennifer’s daughter had unwrapped a Peppa Pig car as a birthday gift. After assembling the toy, Jennifer placed what she believed was an empty cardboard box on top of her oven, intending to recycle it later. Hours passed uneventfully—until she lifted the box and felt a sudden weight drop.

“I shouted to the kids, ‘Whose is this?’ I honestly thought it was a toy snake at first,” said Jennifer. “Then its tongue started moving. That’s when I screamed, ‘It’s real! It’s a real snake!’”

What Happened When the Snake Fell Out of the Toy Box?

The incident unfolded during what was meant to be a joyful family celebration. Jennifer, who has two sons and had just bought a rabbit for her daughter earlier that day, was stunned by the unexpected visitor.

“As I tried to pick up the box, the snake tumbled out and started to wrap itself around my arm,” she explained. “My mum rushed into the kitchen, and together we managed to coax it back into the cardboard box.”

The vibrant orange snake had somehow hitched a ride in the packaging of the Peppa Pig toy, undetected. Jennifer emphasized that she had never seen the snake before and was unsure how it had ended up in her home.

“I was in total shock,” she said. “How does a snake just fall out of a box in your kitchen? I couldn’t wrap my head around it.”

How Did the Snake Get Into the Toy Box?

Though Jennifer initially had no idea where the snake came from, she later discovered that it belonged to a neighbour who lives on the same street. The snake had apparently gone missing and somehow ended up inside the toy packaging, although it remains unclear how long it had been there.

Jennifer described the situation as surreal. “Earlier that day, my daughter had been dragging the cat from next door into the house and I’d just bought a rabbit. I joked, saying I felt like Doctor Dolittle. Then suddenly, I had a snake on my cooker!”

Why It Matters: Household Pet Safety and Surprising Animal Incidents

This unusual event raises concerns about the unexpected presence of animals in household items—particularly packaging from toys or online deliveries. While snakes are not typically dangerous in the UK, the shock factor and potential risk to children makes incidents like this alarming.

It also highlights the importance of checking packaging thoroughly, especially when children are involved. In rare but not unprecedented cases, small animals can find their way into boxes during transit or storage.

What’s Next for the Family?

The snake was safely returned to its owner without harm. Jennifer says she’s now more cautious than ever and has shared her experience to warn other parents.

“I just want people to be aware. Always check your boxes—even if they look empty.”

She added that despite the scare, her daughter enjoyed the rest of her birthday and now boasts an unusual story to tell friends.

This isn’t the first time families have found snakes in strange places, but it’s certainly one of the most unforgettable birthday surprises.

For your information:

What kind of snake was found in the toy box?
The bright orange snake has not been officially identified, but it was a harmless pet snake owned by a neighbour on the same street.

Could the snake have come from the toy manufacturer?
Unlikely. It was confirmed that the snake belonged to a local resident and was not connected to the toy packaging process.

Is this type of snake dangerous to children?
No. The snake was a non-venomous pet, likely a corn snake or similar breed, and posed no real threat aside from the shock factor.

How should you handle a snake found in your home?
Remain calm and avoid touching it directly. Use a container to safely trap it and contact local animal control or the RSPCA for help.

Have similar incidents happened before?
Yes. There have been rare cases in the UK where snakes or other exotic pets have found their way into homes through open windows, packaging, or escape from neighbouring homes.