Campers were shocked after finding a snake slithering across their tent in the Philippines.

The nature lovers were setting up a barbecue for lunch when they spotted the arboreal reptile dangling from the flap of their tent.

Footage shows one of the tourists trying to coil the snake around a long pole. However, the creature broke free and began slithering across the canopy in Mendez, Cavite province, on August 6.

It later fled toward a bamboo thicket on its own, allowing the group to enjoy their meal.

Camper Mikelista Carballo said: 'We chose a spot under the trees to take shelter from the sun, but the snake fell onto our tent.

'Everyone was nervous because we weren't used to seeing snakes. I think it was a Philippine rat snake, which is non-venomous, but it can't be helped that everyone was scared of it.

'It looked young. It likely fell while slithering among the branches.'

The Philippine rat snake, a non-venomous species native to the country, is often spotted in both forests and rural communities. Known for hunting down rodents, birds, and eggs, it plays a vital role in keeping pest populations under control.