I noticed this strange object on the street and thought it was just some trash, but when I got closer, I was horrified by what I saw.
As I stepped closer, I realized what it was: a snake. A crushed one.

An adder? No — a grass snake. Right there, in the middle of a busy city street. People hurried past, cars rolled by, but somehow no one seemed to notice — no one but me. A chill ran down my spine.

And this wasn’t an isolated incident.

Over the past few weeks, snake sightings have been on the rise. Local community chats buzzed with anxious posts — someone found a snake in their garden, another spotted one slithering near their apartment entrance.

Some even claimed that snakes had made their way indoors — squeezing through balcony gaps or sneaking in through ventilation ducts. It felt like they were *everywhere*. As if the boundary between their world and ours had quietly eroded.

Experts say this surge is linked to climate change and the destruction of natural habitats. Grass snakes aren’t venomous, but encountering one near your home can still be deeply unsettling.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

Keep your outdoor areas clean — whether it’s a garden, backyard, or even your balcony. Avoid leaving piles of leaves, wood, or garbage lying around — these are perfect hiding spots for snakes.
Seal up vents and gaps, especially on lower floors, to block off easy entry points.

Check your shoes and bags if you leave them outside or in cool, unheated spaces. You never know what might crawl in.

If you see a snake, don’t panic and definitely don’t try to handle it. Step away slowly and call animal control or your local rescue service (look up the number specific to your area).

Nature is pushing its way into the city — and we have to learn how to coexist.

But staying alert and taking simple precautions can make all the difference.