Scientists warn massive Aesculapian snakes are thriving inside homes and attics in North Wales

If you have a fear of snakes, you might want to think twice before heading up to your attic.

Scientists have discovered that large, non-venomous snakes are not only surviving but thriving in certain parts of the UK—and they’re making themselves right at home inside houses.

Aesculapian Snakes Are Making Themselves Comfortable

A recent study has found that Aesculapian snakes, which can grow up to 6.5 feet long, have successfully established themselves in North Wales after being accidentally introduced to the area.

Unlike other native British snakes that tend to avoid human settlements, these reptiles have adapted by using attics and wall cavities to stay warm in the colder climate.

No Need to Panic—They’re Harmless

Before you start worrying about an unexpected slithery guest in your home, there’s some reassuring news.

Aesculapian snakes are completely harmless to humans and pets.

They mainly feed on small rodents like mice and rats, making them beneficial in keeping pest populations under control.

Professor Wolfgang Wüster, a snake expert from Bangor University, emphasized that these snakes pose no threat.

“Even the smallest dog could easily take on an Aesculapian snake, and they wouldn’t go after anything larger than a vole,” he explained.

A Long-Lost Resident Returns

Interestingly, Aesculapian snakes aren’t entirely new to Britain.

Fossil records show they once lived here, but they disappeared around 300,000 years ago due to an Ice Age.

Today, their native range extends from Spain to the Caucasus, but their habitat is shifting northward due to climate change.

While their numbers are declining in Europe, they seem to be thriving in the UK.

How Did They Get Here?

The snakes first appeared in the UK in the 1970s when some escaped from the Welsh Mountain Zoo following an enclosure collapse.

Since then, they’ve established a stable breeding population around Colwyn Bay.

A separate population has also been found along London’s Regent’s Canal, where they have similarly adapted to urban life.

Research Reveals Their Secret to Survival

To understand how these snakes were managing to survive in the UK’s colder climate, researchers conducted a study by tracking 21 Aesculapian snakes using radio transmitters.

Over two summers, they found that the snakes frequently entered buildings, using warm spaces like attics, wall cavities, and even compost bins to regulate their body temperature.

Male snakes were particularly drawn to human homes, while females tended to stay in wooded areas.

This behavior is unusual for UK snakes, as native species like adders and smooth snakes typically avoid built-up environments.

Should We Be Concerned About Their Presence?

Despite their imposing size, Aesculapian snakes have coexisted peacefully with local wildlife and human residents.

Many people in the areas where they live have never even noticed them.

In fact, the biggest threats to the snakes come from native predators like birds of prey and domestic cats.

Professor Wüster reassures that even if one of these snakes were to bite, it would cause nothing more than minor scratches.

“If you ever find one in your home, the best thing to do is call the RSPCA rather than try to remove it yourself,” he advises.

The Debate Over Their Future

Despite their harmless nature, the government is considering adding Aesculapian snakes to the list of invasive species that should be eradicated.

However, researchers argue that they should be protected instead.

With climate change reshaping habitats worldwide, conservationists believe it makes more sense to safeguard species where they can actually survive.

Aesculapian snake numbers are declining in France due to environmental changes, so their presence in the UK could help prevent their extinction.

Professor Wüster strongly opposes the idea of removing them, stating, “It would be both a tragedy and a travesty to eradicate a harmless species thriving in only a couple of places in the UK, especially when it’s disappearing in Europe.

The old definitions of native versus non-native don’t make sense anymore. We need to adapt.”

The Bigger Picture: Invasive Species and Climate Change

The case of the Aesculapian snake raises broader questions about how we handle species that arrive in new territories, whether through human activity or climate change.

Many invasive species, like Japanese knotweed or Burmese pythons in Florida, pose serious threats to local ecosystems. However, some, like these snakes, integrate without causing harm.

As the climate continues to shift, species will move to new areas where they can survive.

Instead of automatic eradication, experts suggest a case-by-case approach to determine whether an introduced species is truly a problem—or simply adapting to a changing world.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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