The Italian capital, Rome, is experiencing a steady increase in the presence of snakes, wasps, rats, and seagulls, transforming it into a veritable jungle, according to the British newspaper "The Guardian." Andrea Lonerti, known in Rome for capturing dangerous animals, stated that snakes have spread significantly throughout the city. He added, "There are many more sightings of snakes than there were before," and continued, "The number of snakes has grown during the winter because the temperatures were extremely warm."
According to "The Guardian," the most common type of snake in Rome is the green whip snake, although Lonerti has also managed to catch four vipers. He noted that snakes can be found on balconies, in gardens, in school buildings, and there was even one hanging on an elevator door in a residential building, causing a lot of panic. "Snakes are very good at finding hiding spots in buildings, waiting for the right moment to leave and hunt their prey," he said.
Eastern hornets, a type of wasp that migrated from North Africa and Southeast Asia, have established a strong presence in Rome since 2021. They were initially spotted in the Monteverde area, but their nests soon began to sprout in window corners, ventilation openings, air conditioning units, and even cracks in the ancient ruins in the city center.
Lonerti stated, "Rome really needs to control waste management, or we will see more snakes and wasps, not to mention rats and seagulls." The City Council of Rome claimed that "there is no jungle" and that reports about snakes and other animals “do not indicate any alarm.” The council also denied any connection between snakes and garbage, citing animal expert Enrico Aliva, who said, "Some types of predator animals are more active during this period specifically because they are hunting rats, which become more active when the city is emptied due to the lack of available waste."
