TV host Michaela Strachan recently shared her distressing encounter with a predator, expressing her urgent plea to be rescued. The incident she referred to happened in 2016, when an Ipswich resident stumbled upon an exotic creature in his backyard.

Mark Sampson, while building an art studio at the far end of his garden, was shocked to discover a large black snake concealed beneath a railway sleeper, describing it as a terrifying experience.

In a recent episode of Channel 5’s Garden Makeovers from Hell, now available on My5, Michaela admitted her love for snakes but acknowledged the fear they can evoke in even the bravest individuals.

Emphasizing the importance of respecting snakes and avoiding handling them without proper knowledge, Michaela cautioned viewers on the potential risks involved.

Zoologist Kevin Wallace and Katy Hackett came to Mark’s aid, safely capturing the snake in a pillowcase and releasing it into the wilderness, despite the RSPCA recommending leaving snakes undisturbed.

Initially mistaken for a grass snake, the creature turned out to be a Mexican black kingsnake, a non-venomous constrictor commonly found in warmer regions but capable of delivering a painful bite.

Recounting her own unsettling experience with a snake, Michaela vividly described the discomfort of having one around her neck, signaling the distress it caused her.

Mark shared his account of the discovery, recalling his shock at finding the snake while clearing debris in his garden, expressing his aversion to snakes and the nightmare it caused him.

Following the incident, Richard Johnson from the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust confirmed the snake’s identity as a Mexican black kingsnake, noting its typical size and habitat.

Don’t miss the upcoming episode of Springwatch on BBC Two airing tonight from 8 pm to 9 pm.