Two-headed snake hatches in pet shop

The snake hatched with two heads

The snake was born last month in Exeter

A two-headed snake has been hatched in an exotic pet shop in Devon.

The snake, of the Western Hognose species, hatched last month at Exeter Exotics in Exeter.

It is thought there is a one in 100,000 chance of a snake having two heads.

Owner of the shop Alicia Johns said she was "shocked" and felt "disbelief" when she realised.

The shop owner said they would not sell the snake

Ms Johns explained the snake in its egg should have hatched as twins, but the embryo did not split resulting in the two heads.

"I was shocked. A bit of disbelief to begin with because they are rare," she said.

Snakes born with two heads usually have a shorter lifespan than other snakes.

Ms Johns added: "It's fascinating but it is still sad. If we ever felt it got to the stage where he was deteriorating or wasn't doing well, or was uncomfortable or in pain, then that's when we'd re-evaluate the situation."

The shop owner said they would not be selling the snake and were currently open to name suggestions for each head.

Talking about the species Western Hognose, Ms Johns said: "I just love them. I love that they're quite feisty and quite sassy.

"They're not always great for a beginner because they let out this little hiss to say 'leave me alone' they're quite vocal."