The Italian capital, Rome, has turned into a "jungle" due to the increasing numbers of rats, snakes, and Asian hornets, driven by rising temperatures and issues with waste sorting and disposal. Andrèe Lunardi from the Wildlife Monitoring Authority notes that "the agency has received a wave of phone calls this summer, mostly regarding snake invasions. The number of snakes has increased during the winter due to the unexpected warmth, causing them to crawl from their natural habitats into the city of Rome, where there is plenty of food waste, and where food waste exists, rats—a primary prey for snakes—are sure to follow."
According to him, in addition to non-venomous snakes, venomous snakes have also appeared in the city, and even a slight touch can lead to death if the person does not receive prompt medical attention. Interestingly, snakes have been discovered in unusual places; for instance, one was found in a hospital in a room used by doctors to change clothes. Lunardi emphasizes that the rising number of snakes in Rome poses a dangerous situation, as people usually panic upon seeing them and attempt to flee, causing spontaneous chaos that poses risks in crowded areas and streets.
As for the Asian hornets, they have migrated from North Africa and Southeast Asia, settling in various regions of Rome, including the crevices of ancient ruins in the city center. However, the Italian government denies reports of an invasion of snakes, hornets, and rats, stating that their numbers are under control.
