Giant 5ft long snakes have been discovered slithering up walls and taking shelter in attics in a particular part of Wales, as reported by Wales Online. These Aesculapian snakes, known to be the largest in the UK, have established a “thriving” population in the region, where they have seemingly integrated into the local community. The study conducted around Colwyn Bay in Conwy revealed that approximately 240 of these fascinating creatures have been documented. Despite facing challenges posed by the weather, these snakes have displayed remarkable adaptability, coexisting harmoniously with humans.
A significant finding of the research is the snakes’ boldness in entering human habitations without fear and staying in close proximity to people. Renowned for their climbing abilities, these snakes have been spotted scaling the walls of houses to seek refuge in attics and roof spaces for hibernation. While the larger male snakes tend to gravitate towards buildings, the females show a preference for woodland areas, albeit some also venture into residential structures and sheds. Dr. Tom Major, who led the two-year study at Bangor University, highlighted how snakes view buildings as warm and secure retreats.
Dr. Tom Major allayed residents’ concerns by confirming that these non-venomous creatures pose no danger to humans, despite occasional encounters inside homes. The community in Colwyn Bay has developed a fondness for these snakes, originally believed to have escaped from the Welsh Mountain Zoo in the 1970s. Although the population’s growth seems restricted by man-made barriers like roads, their survival in colder climates indicates a potential trend of exotic reptiles adapting to coexist with humans in the future. Dr. Major emphasised the snakes’ valuable strategy of using buildings for shelter in the face of a cool climate and various threats from predators.
In the past, these Aesculapian snakes were native to the UK but became extinct around 300,000 years ago. Presently, they can be found spanning from France to Iran, with the North Wales snakes growing up to 5ft due to limited food resources. The study included radio transmitter implantation in 21 adult snakes in 2021-2022, providing insights into their behaviour and habitat preferences. Despite the challenges faced by these creatures, such as traffic-related incidents leading to fatalities, efforts are being made to enhance their survival rates, including building culverts under roads.
The research’s findings suggest these Aesculapian snakes are adept at adapting to various habitats and utilising human-made structures for shelter and egg-laying. The study underscores the significance of these creatures as adaptable generalists, unhesitant in utilising buildings and living in close proximity to humans. The community’s acceptance and coexistence with these unique wildlife specimens set a positive example of harmonious biodiversity, demonstrating how humans and animals can share spaces effectively. While roadblocks currently limit the snakes’ territorial expansion, their persistence and thriving population offer valuable insights into the potential for exotic species to adapt to new environments.