As I got nearer, it became clear: it was a grass snake, crushed and lifeless. Right there, in the middle of a busy city street. People hurried past, and cars sped by, yet no one seemed to notice it—except me. A chill ran down my spine.

And this wasn’t just a random occurrence.

Over the past few weeks, reports of snakes have been popping up more frequently. Local community chats have been buzzing with stories: one person found a snake in their garden, another spotted one near their front door.

Some even mentioned seeing snakes enter apartments through ventilation ducts or cracks near balconies. It felt as though the natural world was creeping into the city, as if the line between the two was slowly disappearing.

Experts explain that this surge in sightings is due to climate change and the destruction of natural habitats. While grass snakes aren’t venomous, the presence of one so close to home can still be unsettling.

Here’s what you can do to stay safe:

– Keep your yard (or balcony) clean. Avoid leaving piles of trash, leaves, or boards that could attract snakes looking for shelter.

– Seal any cracks or gaps, especially on lower floors, to prevent them from entering.

– Always check your shoes and bags if they’ve been left outside or in areas that aren’t climate-controlled.

– If you encounter a snake, stay calm, don’t touch it, and contact animal rescue services (be sure to have the local number on hand).

Nature is slowly reclaiming urban spaces, and we’ll have to learn how to coexist with it. But staying cautious and aware can help keep everyone safe