Alarm at the swimming lake: increasing sightings of dangerous grass snakes!

Alarm at the swimming lake: increasing sightings of dangerous grass snakes!

In recent weeks there have been increasing reports of black snakes appearing at bathing lakes and in gardens in Germany. Animal rights activists are alarmed because most of these sightings involve black grass snakes, which are completely harmless to humans. This species of snake, which can grow up to two meters long, lives primarily near bodies of water and wetlands, where it feeds on amphibians and small mammals. The increase in sightings is fueled in part by the increasing popularity of natural gardens and the creation of watering holes that attract both amphibians and their natural predators, according to information from schwaebische.de.

In North Rhine-Westphalia in particular, the Ruhr Area Wilderness School is registering an increase in emergency calls. In the last three to four weeks there have been over 50 calls from concerned citizens who incorrectly believe that the snakes could be poisonous or even planted. Animal rights activists warn that killing these native animals can have serious legal consequences, with fines of up to 50,000 euros, such as der-markt.net reported.

The most common misunderstandings

It is a common misconception that black grass snakes are confused with the more dangerous adder. Animal rights activists appeal to the population to treat the animals with respect and to keep a sufficient distance. A genetic mutation called melanism gives grass snakes their black color, which distinguishes them from their greenish or blue-gray relatives. In fact, grass snakes make up 90-95% of reported sightings, while exotic species like pythons and corn snakes cover less than 5%, the site explains snakes-in-deutschland.de.

This impatience on the part of citizens has already led to snakes spotted in unforeseen situations such as gutters or electrical boxes - two particular recent cases - being mistakenly perceived as a threat. As a rule, they are harmless animals that are simply looking for their habitat, explains the wilderness school. To better monitor the spread of this snake, citizens are encouraged to report their sightings by calling 01577/2949225.

Why the increase?

The anomaly of the many sightings is also attributed to climate change, which has favored the reproduction of these egg-laying snakes. According to experts, the warm weather and the associated increase in water temperatures have led to improved living conditions for grass snakes.

In summary, with an increasing presence of grass snakes in urban and rural areas, we should not only respect these animals, but also help protect and preserve their natural habitat. With a good understanding of the animal world, we can live in harmony with our surroundings.