Europe’s largest snakes found in British homes
Aesculapian snakes adapting to UK, found in attics and walls
A study has revealed that one of Europe’s largest snake species, the aesculapian snake, is now making homes in British attics and house walls. These snakes, which can reach up to 6 feet in length, are typically found in warmer European areas like southern France, Italy, and even Iran.
Research shows that these sizable reptiles have made their way into certain areas of the UK due to their reliance on human habitats. Aesculapian snakes have been recently discovered in places such as a church roof and the walls of a care home.
In Britain, there are two known populations of aesculapian snakes. One is around the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, and the other is near London Zoo in Regent’s Park. These snakes are non-venomous and pose no danger to humans. Instead, they prey on rodents like rats and mice by constriction.
Alert – Is Europe's biggest snake living in YOUR walls? Experts warn invasive six-foot reptiles are spreading in the wild across Britain… and live in the gaps in people's homes https://t.co/ww8iPlaBsH pic.twitter.com/qlV3qsOind
— Alert Content (@thealertcontent) October 25, 2024
Wolfgang Wuster, a zoology professor at Bangor University, oversaw the research, which details how these snakes in Wales have adapted to the colder climate. Researchers captured 21 snakes and fitted them with radio trackers to monitor their movements over two years.
The study observed that aesculapian snakes actively seek out and return to inhabited buildings, even climbing large structures to access attics and wall cavities. The findings indicated a preference for buildings among male snakes, while females preferred woodland areas.
Wuster noted that while these snakes are often found close to humans in Europe, they come much closer in the UK. He remarked on the unusual nature of finding these snakes in British homes, which is not common for other species in the region.
Despite their proximity to human habitats, Wuster reassured that it is unlikely to encounter an aesculapian snake inside a room. These snakes tend to stay in areas where humans rarely go, such as lofts and wall cavities.
The study highlights that the aesculapian snake’s use of buildings sets them apart from native UK snakes, which generally avoid urban areas. Adders and smooth snakes are rarely found in human-dominated environments, while grass snakes occasionally use compost heaps and garden ponds but to a lesser extent.
Researchers estimate there are about 80 aesculapian snakes in Wales, though they are challenging to locate, with each one taking around eight hours to find. There is no evidence to suggest these reptiles cause any harm or damage.
Wuster emphasized that aesculapian snakes are not invasive like American grey squirrels or Japanese knotweed. Instead, they are a European species interacting with other European species, likely coexisting well with the existing fauna.
The study is pending peer review.
What Other Media Are Saying
- New Scientist highlights how non-native Aesculapian snakes, exploiting warmth in attics and walls, are thriving in Britain despite being absent during the last Ice Age.(read more)
- Metro.co.uk reports on invasive two-metre-long Aesculapian snakes breeding in UK, living in attics and walls, using human habitats and showing unusual behavior for native snake species.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Where are aesculapian snakes found in the UK?
They are found near the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay and London Zoo in Regent’s Park.
Are aesculapian snakes dangerous to humans?
No, aesculapian snakes are non-venomous and pose no danger to humans.
Why are aesculapian snakes living in British homes?
These snakes rely on human habitats for shelter, often inhabiting attics and house walls.
How do aesculapian snakes affect native UK snakes?
Aesculapian snakes use buildings more than native UK snakes, which generally avoid urban areas.
How many aesculapian snakes are estimated to be in Wales?
There are an estimated 80 aesculapian snakes in Wales.
