Newsroom
Cypriot homeowners are getting some unexpected and very unwelcome visitors lately: snakes. Reports of slithery intruders in yards, gardens, and even by swimming pools are becoming more frequent as warm weather and drought conditions drive the reptiles into residential areas in search of water and shade.
According to local herpetologist Yannis Angelis, the combination of dry conditions and expanding housing developments near natural habitats is a recipe for trouble. “We’re going to have a big problem this year because of the drought,” Angelis warned, noting that homes at higher elevations and near the countryside are especially vulnerable.
He also issued a specific warning to homeowners with swimming pools: “Even if you’re not using it, check the area around it daily. Snakes are drawn to water, and your pool might look like a five-star resort to them.”
Angelis recently posted two videos of snakes found in such situations. One was a harmless black snake, the other a baby viper, small but potentially dangerous. In another case, he responded to a call where a snake, believed to have been run over by a car, was found injured. Angelis picked it up and said he would take it for stitches before releasing it back into the wild.
While not all snakes are dangerous, residents are urged to keep an eye out, especially in shaded, moist corners of their yards or anywhere water might collect. And if you do see one? It's best to call in the experts and keep your distance.
See below for video footage of Angelis in action as he carefully captures and handles these slithering houseguests.
