As I was walking down a city street one afternoon, something lying on the pavement caught my attention. At first glance, I assumed it was just a piece of trash—maybe a rope or some debris someone had carelessly tossed aside. But as I got closer, my heart sank. It wasn’t trash. It was a grass snake, crushed flat, lifeless in the middle of the road. Cars passed by without slowing down, and people jogged or walked past as if nothing was out of the ordinary. No one seemed to notice—no one except me.

I stood there frozen for a moment, a chill running down my spine. It was an eerie sight, not because grass snakes are dangerous, but because it felt completely out of place in the middle of an urban setting. The worst part was that this wasn’t an isolated incident. Over the past several weeks, there has been a noticeable uptick in snake sightings throughout the city. In local chat groups and neighborhood forums, residents have been sharing their experiences—some found snakes in their gardens, others spotted them slithering near their front doors. A few even reported discovering snakes inside their homes, entering through ventilation systems or small cracks near balconies and windows.

It’s as if the boundary that once separated the wild from our carefully constructed city lives had suddenly dissolved. The places we once assumed were safe, snake-free zones are no longer immune to these unexpected visitors. According to experts, this increase in snake activity can largely be traced back to climate change and the destruction of natural habitats. As we continue to pave over green spaces, build new developments, and alter the natural environment, animals are being displaced and forced to adapt in ways that bring them closer to human life. Grass snakes, in particular, are not venomous and are generally harmless to humans, but that doesn’t make seeing one curled up near your home any less unsettling. Their presence is a sign that something in the ecosystem is out of balance. Even if you’re not afraid of snakes, the thought of one slithering through your home is enough to make anyone uneasy. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of encountering snakes near your home.

First and foremost, keep your surroundings tidy. Whether you have a yard, a balcony, or even just a few potted plants, avoid creating hiding places where snakes might seek shelter. Piles of leaves, stacks of firewood, old furniture, or discarded boxes can all become cozy snake havens. Keeping things neat and clutter-free will make your space less attractive to them. Next, take a close look at the exterior of your home. Seal any cracks, holes, or gaps around windows, doors, and especially ventilation shafts. Snakes can slip through incredibly small openings, so even the tiniest crevice can become a point of entry.

@jjrheams Finding an extremely rare snake in the middle of london with @Wildlife With Cookie #foryou #wildlife #uk #ukwildlife #animalanomalies #snake #reptile #rare ♬ Deep Lake – Romeo

This is particularly important if you live on the ground floor or near green areas where snakes may be more prevalent. If you store shoes, bags, or outdoor gear in areas like porches, garages, or sheds, get into the habit of checking them before bringing them inside. Snakes often seek out cool, dark places to rest, and a forgotten pair of shoes can become an unintended hiding spot. Most importantly, if you do happen to come across a snake, remain calm. Don’t attempt to pick it up, trap it, or kill it. Instead, back away slowly and call your local animal rescue or wildlife control service. They’ll know how to handle the situation safely and ensure the snake is removed without harm to anyone. As nature continues to reclaim some of the territory we’ve taken, it’s clear that we need to adjust how we coexist with the wildlife around us. Grass snakes aren’t out to get us—they’re just trying to survive in a world that’s changing fast. By staying aware, being proactive, and respecting the delicate balance between nature and urban life, we can help keep both ourselves and these creatures safe.