Large Aesculapian snakes, up to 5ft long, are entering homes and attics in Colwyn Bay, Wales. Researchers say the snake adapts well.
The snakes deal with tough weather and live near people. They adapt well, even going inside homes, and aren’t scared of humans. They climb houses and hide in attics when it’s cold.
Big male snakes like buildings, while female snakes like woods more. However, some females enter houses too. Dr. Major led the study near Colwyn Bay. He said snakes use buildings for warmth.
People told him snakes were in their homes, but he said snakes are shy and won’t hurt anyone. Locals feel lucky to have them. Snakes escaped a zoo in the 1970s, which is how they got there.
Now, Colwyn Bay likes their snake neighbors. Roads stop them from spreading, and they survive in a cold place by living with us. Dr. Major said they are new to the area and use buildings to stay safe.
Cats and other animals hunt them. Roads and houses trap them. But for now, the snakes seem to thrive. These snakes used to live in the UK, but they died out 300,000 years ago.
Now they live from France to Iran and grow to 6ft long. Wales snakes are smaller though at 5ft. They eat birds, eggs, and small animals. Researchers put trackers in snakes.
They tracked 21 adult snakes, and it took eight hours to find each snake. Male snakes travel more than females; males average 29 rugby pitches, and females average 23 rugby pitches. Snakes laid eggs in compost piles.
Cars are a big danger. Three female snakes died in the study. Two got hit by cars with eggs, and one female got eaten by a male snake.
One male died by a car, and another one was killed by a stoat. A buzzard might have eaten another male. Building tunnels could help snakes. They might not grow much more, though. Wales may be as far north as they can live.
The study showed buildings and vegetation piles help them lay eggs. This helps them in a cool place. Snakes can adapt and live near people.