Is Europe's largest snake taking up residence in your home? Recent research has revealed some startling truths about the aesculapian snake, which can grow up to six feet long and has been spotted within the walls and attics of houses across Britain. Originally native to warmer parts of Europe, including southern France, Italy, and even Iran, these snakes have found ways to thrive in the cooler climates of the UK.
Experts have documented the surprising adaptability of these reptiles, leading them to exploit human habitats for shelter and food. Indeed, they have recently been found living not only within residential homes but also inside church roofs and walls of care facilities. This behavior is relatively unique for the aesculapian snake, which typically resides closer to natural habitats.
There are currently two notable populations of aesculapian snakes located around the Welsh Mountain Zoo near Colwyn Bay, North Wales, and around the London Zoo at Regent's Park. Their prevalence within urban settings marks a significant behavioral change for this species.
Wolfgang Wuster, a zoology professor at Bangor University, played a pivotal role in the research assessing these snakes. Over the study period, researchers captured twenty-one snakes and fitted them with radio trackers, allowing scientists to track their movements over two years. Surprisingly, these snakes’ search for comfort has led to their return to inhabited buildings, allowing them to enjoy the warmth and food found near human dwellings.
Wuster noted, “We observed aesculapian snakes actively seeking and returning to use inhabited buildings and climbing large structures to access the attics and wall cavities of houses.” This predilection stands out, especially since he remarked, “If you work in places like India, you quite often find snakes in houses. That’s just not something you usually encounter in the UK.”
While these snakes are non-venomous and harmless to humans, they have demonstrated some unusual preferences. The study indicated male aesculapian snakes exhibited more attraction to buildings, whereas females appeared to prefer natural woodland settings—a detail reflecting the shifting behaviors of these reptiles as they adapt to their new surroundings.
Despite some initial fears surrounding the arrival of these large snakes, experts have reassured the public. Wuster emphasized, “It’s quite unusual to be finding these snakes roaming around British dwellings. We’re not seeing snakes infiltrate our living rooms. They tend to stay out of sight, choosing spaces like lofts and wall cavities.”
The adaptability of the aesculapian snakes continues to remain under the microscope, with the research pending peer review. Scientists estimate about eighty of these snakes currently reside within Wales, though their elusive nature makes them somewhat tricky to track—finding just one snake can take around eight hours.
Interestingly, the arrival of the aesculapian snake isn’t seen as harmful to native species. Wuster pointed out, “These snakes are not invasive like American grey squirrels or Japanese knotweed. They interact with the native European fauna and are likely coexisting well within the ecosystem.”
The presence of such snakes living alongside humans might reflect broader changes. The aesculapian snake's unique behaviors highlight how some species are beginning to integrate more closely with urban environments, taking advantage of the resources these human-made structures provide.
The findings have sparked intrigue and caution among communities across the UK, as homeowners are alerted to the possibility of sharing their homes with six-foot-long reptiles. Nevertheless, there remains optimism about the new relationships developing between humans and these unexpected neighbors.
Are you residing among Britain's newest snake population? These fascinating reptiles may be living just above your head, contributing to the diversity of life within your local environment. Imagine what other secrets the attics and walls of our beloved homes may hold!
