Now that’s a snake! Rare two-headed serpent discovered in backyard

While the sight of a snake is enough to send shivers up the spine for some, others understand that they’re just creatures trying to go about their lives.

Still, a recent snake discovery in a US backyard is enough to fascinate even those who are terrified of the slippery serpents. A rare two-headed copperhead snake was recently found in northern Virginia.

Sharing an image of the reptile on Facebook, Virginia Wildlife Management and Control explained that the snake was found in someone’s backyard. While it mostly looks like a regular snake, two heads can be seen sprouting from its body.

Read more: Video captures two huge snakes ‘in combat’ falling through suburban roof

Although rare, the snakes can and do exist in the wild. Having said that, it is rare they survive long.

Herpetologist John Kleopfer shared further photos of the snake on Facebook and some information on how the body of a two-headed snake actually works.

“Wild bicephalic snakes are exceptionally rare, because they just don’t live that long,” he explained. “Too many challenges living day to day with two heads.

“Thanks to the Wildlife Center of Virginia we were able to determine that the left head has the dominant oesophagus and the right head has the more developed throat for eating. With a little luck and care, we hope to eventually donate it to a zoological facility for exhibit.”

And for the sceptics out there, Kleopfer also shared video footage of the snake slithering around to prove the rare find wasn’t a hoax.

In addition to Kleopfer’s expertise, Virginia Wildlife Management and Control took delight in answering further questions people online had about the snake. It turns out both heads can make an attack, while the snake is still alive and is a juvenile.

It’s not the first snake to make headlines in recent times. In Australia, a mother was recently horrified to discover a carpet python lurking under her daughter’s pillow in her bed.

Read more: Horrifying moment mum discovers snake lurking under daughter’s pillow

In a Facebook video, Toowoomba Snake Catchers 24/7 explained they were called out to a home in Toowoomba’s Darling Heights suburb in Queensland after a carpet python made itself right at home under a pillow in a bed.

It is thought that snake got into the room through the drainage system through an air conditioning unit. With snake season breeding under way for another year, there’s an increased risk of spotting a snake or two in homes, backyards, schools and suburbs as snakes go in search of a mate. Australians are being urged to contact professionals if they spot a snake to prevent the risk of injury to humans, their pets and the snake.

Have you ever seen a two-headed snake before? What’s the rarest creature you’ve ever seen?