THE GUARDIAN: Pest control expert says warmer winters help creatures such as oriental hornets, snakes and rats thrive in the city
A Rome zoologist says the Italian capital has become “a proper jungle” amid a surge in the presence of snakes, oriental hornets, seagulls and rats owing to a combination of high temperatures and the city’s persistent problem with rubbish.
Andrea Lunerti, who is well known in Rome for capturing dangerous animals, said he had been inundated with calls this summer, especially reports of snake sightings.
“There are many more sightings of snakes than there used to be,” Lunerti said. “The snake population grew exponentially during the winter because the temperature was so warm. They wouldn’t have survived if it had been cold. Then they come to the city from their natural environment because there is a lot of food waste, and where there is food waste there are rats – their main prey.”
The most common type of snake found in Rome is the green whip snake, although Lunerti has captured four vipers too. » | Angela Giuffrida in Rome | Friday, August 16, 2024
WIKIPEDIA: Green whip snake »
