A notoriously venomous snake traveled 4,000 miles from Pakistan to England in a brick container. Besides making it through the long journey, the reptile also managed to live in the shipment since it was delivered last month.

A forklift driver discovered the snake in a container of bricks shipped to Manchester Brick Specialist. Workers tried to identify it by doing some research. Eventually, they found that it was a saw-scaled viper, The Guardian reported.

Michael Regan, the firm's logistic manager, wore protective clothing and trapped the snake in a cardboard box. He then called the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Ryan King, an RSPCA inspector, responded to the rescue call. However, he was initially skeptical about the snake being a saw-scaled viper.

"Sometimes we go to jobs like this and it turns out to be a harmless grass snake. We have even attended snake reports which turn out to be plastic toys," King told The Guardian.

But when King saw the creature, he realized he was wrong. Indeed, it was a saw-scaled viper, one of the most venomous snakes in the world.

Saw-scaled vipers are small in size but pack a venomous bite. A bite can cause severe hemorrhage and blood coagulation, which can lead to death if left untreated. They are found in the Indian subcontinent and parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. In India alone, four species of saw-scaled vipers exist.

Regan was left in shock upon realizing how dangerous the creature really was. "I knew to keep a safe distance but obviously had no idea how deadly this snake was," he said as per BBC News. "It was pretty shocking."

Meanwhile, King said the workers we lucky to find the snake before it could bite anyone.

"Anti-venom is available in the countries where the viper originates from, but the snake is so venomous even then it does not always save the victim," he explained.

The snake has since been moved to an establishment that has a license to care for a venomous reptile.

"It was quite an honor to deal with this snake and I am pleased he has a home where he will be looked after," King added.

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Representational image. Pixabay
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