Snakes, scorpions and geckos discovered in luggage

Snakes, scorpions and toads are among the stowaways a rescue charity has collected from suitcases and shipping containers this year.

The National Centre for Reptile Welfare, based in Tonbridge, Kent, said it rescued 361 reptiles in 2025 - the most recent being a toad from South Africa which ended up in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.

Director Chris Newman said reptiles, amphibians and arachnids often arrive in the UK via shipping containers or, more commonly, people's luggage.

"It grows year on year," he said. "Last year we had around 200 reports."

The charity has found scorpions, snakes, spiders, lizards, toads and newts this year. It has 100 drop off points around the country.

Mr Newman added: "Baby geckos are by far the most common, if you hang your clothes up in cupboards, these animals quite often find a home in them.

"The community is really proactive, we're available 365 days a year.

"Sometimes we get dangerous animals, we've had two people stung by dangerous scorpions.

"But most the time, the reptiles are completely harmless."

Mr Newman said it was a lot of animals but said it is a "very uncommon occurrence" to find an animal in your luggage, compared to how many people travel.

He said if you find a stowaway to call up the charity straight away, close the suitcase and do not touch the animal.

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