At first glance, it looked like just another piece of litter on the pavement. But as I walked closer, my stomach dropped — it wasn’t trash. It was a grass snake, crushed and lifeless, lying right there in the middle of a busy city street.
People rushed past, cars zoomed by, completely oblivious. No one noticed… no one except me. A shiver ran down my spine.
And this wasn’t an isolated incident.
Lately, snake sightings have become alarmingly common. Local chat groups are buzzing with stories: one neighbor found a snake curled up in their garden, another spotted one slithering near their front door.
Something strange is happening — and it’s getting harder to ignore.
Snakes in the City: Are We Living Too Close for Comfort?
Some residents have reported snakes entering their homes — slithering through ventilation shafts or creeping in through small gaps near balconies. It’s starting to feel like they’re everywhere. As if the boundary between their world and ours is quietly disappearing.
Experts say this surge in sightings is no coincidence. Climate change and the destruction of natural habitats are pushing wildlife, including grass snakes, closer to urban areas. While grass snakes aren’t venomous or aggressive, discovering one near your front door — or inside your home — can be deeply unsettling.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Space:
– Keep it tidy: Whether it’s your yard, garden, or even your balcony, remove clutter. Piles of leaves, wood, or debris make perfect hiding spots.
– Seal entry points: Inspect and close off ventilation shafts, cracks, and gaps — especially on lower floors. A little prevention can go a long way.
Stay alert. Stay safe. And remember — the best way to avoid unwanted visitors is to make your space less inviting to them.
Simple Precautions to Stay Safe:
– Check your shoes and bags. If you leave them outdoors, in sheds, or on balconies, inspect them before bringing them inside — snakes sometimes seek shelter in warm, dark places.
– If you see a snake, stay calm. Do not try to touch or catch it. Instead, keep your distance and contact your local animal rescue or wildlife control service (make sure you know the emergency number in your area).
Nature is finding its way into the city. Whether we like it or not, urban and wild environments are overlapping more than ever. While grass snakes are harmless, caution is still key.
We don’t need to fear them — but we do need to stay aware.
