As cities expand and climate change accelerates, wildlife is being pushed out of its natural habitats—and into our neighborhoods. Green spaces are vanishing under roads and buildings, leaving animals with no choice but to adapt by moving into urban environments. Snakes, especially harmless grass snakes, are turning up on porches, in garages, and near schools.

While non-venomous and ecologically beneficial, their presence is sparking fear and highlighting how disconnected we’ve become from the natural world. And it’s not just snakes. Urban areas are now home to foxes, raccoons, deer, and even wild boars in some regions.

As Dr. Emily Granger of the Urban Nature Institute explains, these sightings are symptoms of a deeper issue: habitat loss and shifting animal behaviors due to rising temperatures. The question we must ask is: who really belongs here? Our cities were once wild lands, and as we’ve taken over, animals are returning—not as threats, but as displaced neighbors. Coexistence isn’t optional. We need to adapt: learn about the species around us, protect our homes and pets, and support green corridors that help wildlife move safely through urban areas.

When I found a small snake crushed on the sidewalk, I felt a flash of sadness. Now I see it as a message—a quiet reminder that nature is no longer “out there.” It’s here. And we must pay attention—before it’s too late.