Firefighters in Benalmadena have rescued a horseshoe whip snake after it was discovered at a property in Benalmadena Costa.

The rescue was carried out by the town’s fire service, which says removing snakes from homes, businesses and properties near mountainous areas is ‘a routine part of its work’.

Despite their intimidating appearance, horseshoe whip snakes are not considered dangerous to people or pets, although firefighters warned they can become defensive and bite if they feel threatened.

Bomberos Benalmadena said: ‘It’s a common occurrence for us to rescue snakes from homes, businesses, and areas near the mountains.

‘Today it was a horseshoe whip snake in Benalmadena Costa.

‘They aren’t dangerous to people or pets, although they can bite easily.

‘Once removed from the area, where the stimuli caused it stress, it was released back into our mountains.’

Anyone who finds a snake inside a property is advised not to approach or try to handle it themselves, but to contact the emergency services.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.