Was this a slow worm ?

[Paul2023]

Hi all please see my photo, I hope it uploads ok. I honestly thought it was a snake at first and was scared out my wits!

But after googling it ,think it was a slow worm.Never seen one before!

Managed to get it in a box and take outside ( there is woodland behind us. We have three cats , is it likely they brought him in ? I also noticed its tail was missing , which made me think it was down to the cats. But apparently they shed their tails when they feel threatened.

Yes that's a slow worm

Yes, slow worm I get lots of them at the allotment. Never seen one in the house before though. I'd have thought it would have more damage if a cat had brought it in.

Yes, a slow worm 😍 I love them!

Yes. You are lucky to see one. They are quite rare.

Beautiful 😍

Hope he's ok.

That is a slow worm. They do sometimes detach their tails and I’ve known cats to go for them. They’re lovely!

They usually travel in pairs

Lived here 8 years , never seen any. I did think the cats brought him in, don’t see how else he would. They like wood, sticks, wouldn’t think they’d slither into a house?

Could only think the cats got him, but couldn’t see much damage , other than his tail detached ! Not really nice picking that up !

Oh yes, my cats are forever bringing in slow worms, we have a lot of the garden, we've rescued 2 so far this week!

To add I was eating dinner this week and saw the cat outside with one dangling from it's mouth. DH got it off the cat it was fine. I came home Tuesday to the cats sitting in the kitchen with one on the floor, alive and intact. They often looked unharmed I've only seen one that I think was injured.

Put down a piece of sheet metal (corrugated iron) on the grass and you'll see plenty.

We have lots here, but the foxes have learned they're an easy snack under the metal :(

I think slow worms are endangered?
Take good care of it.
I love them.

Awesome creatures, beautiful , you're lucky to see one although I guess they’re more common in some parts than others. Hope it’s ok.

They’re protected, like snakes are..

Was it big ? This one was about 40cm in length.

urggghh yea that’s a slow worm. Haven’t seen one since I was a teen and the cat used to bring them in and leave them in the hall

Surprised he hasn't got any injuries if one of the cats brought him in. Haven't seen a slow worm for years. Used to love finding them in the orchard behind our house when I was a kid.

The cats kill them regularly round here, it's very sad. I wish people would stop allowing their cats to kill the local wildlife. I used to see them frequently, since my neighbour decided to get 4 cats I haven't seen a living one for a few years now.

What a beautiful slow worm. We used to have one called Eddie who lived in out garden when I was a child. Dad accidentally cut his tail off when mowing the lawn once but he regrew it and after that we always made sure we knew where he was before we mowed.

They are harmless, we have picked them up & carried them around.