As I approached, I saw it was a grass snake. Crushed. A snake is in the middle of a city street. People were running by, and automobiles were driving by, but no one appeared to notice—except me. I got the chills. And this was not a unique instance.
In recent weeks, the number of snakes has significantly increased. People have been exchanging anecdotes in local chats: someone discovered one in their garden, while another saw one near their front door.
Some people reported snakes entering residences through ventilation shafts or breaches near balconies. It felt like they were everywhere, as if the line between “their” world and ours had vanished.
Experts attribute this to climate change and the loss of their natural habitats. Grass snakes are not dangerous, but seeing one near your home is still disturbing. What You Can Do To Stay Safe:
– Keep your yard (or balcony) clean—no rubbish, heaps of leaves, boards, or other hiding places that could attract snakes. – Seal ventilation gaps and cracks, particularly on lower floors.
– Inspect your shoes and bags if you leave them outside or in unheated locations. – If you spot a snake, do not panic, do not touch it, and contact animal rescue services (check the number for your area). Nature is pushing into the city, and we must learn to live with it. However, staying aware and careful will not hurt.