Climate Anomalies Lead to Frequent Snake Sightings in Kaohsiung; Grass Snakes Most Common

Abnormal climate conditions and rising temperatures have led to a significant increase in snake sightings and captures in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

In the first half of 2026, authorities captured 891 snakes, a slight increase from the same period last year. The most commonly captured species was the grass snake (282), followed by the Chinese cobra (125), and the Taiwanese beauty snake (141). This surge is linked to global warming and climate change, which extend the snakes' active periods and increase their frequency of movement.

“

In recent years, affected by global warming and climate change, environmental temperatures continue to rise, snake activity periods are extended, and activity frequency increases, so the probability of the public seeing snakes also increases.

Professor Tsai Tien-Shun of Pingtung University of Science and Technology's Department of Biotechnology explained that higher environmental temperatures encourage snakes to be more active. He advises residents to maintain clean living spaces and school grounds, remove clutter to reduce hiding spots, and properly manage waste to avoid attracting rodents, which are a food source for snakes.

“

Snake issues are closely related to campus environmental education and life education. Through in-depth understanding of snake ecology and response knowledge during training, we can bring correct concepts back to campus, cultivate students' respect for life and friendly attitude towards nature, and establish a concept of peaceful coexistence with wild animals.

The Kaohsiung Agriculture Bureau is partnering with 24 schools, from elementary to high schools, to conduct educational programs on snake ecology, identification, and prevention. These initiatives aim to equip students and staff with correct knowledge and raise awareness about snake safety in school environments.

School principals and environmental coordinators have noted the educational value of these programs, emphasizing the importance of respecting wildlife and coexisting peacefully with nature. They also highlighted the ecological role of snakes in controlling rodent populations, thus helping to mitigate potential rat infestations.

“

Snakes are not as scary as imagined; they are an indispensable part of the natural ecosystem. Snakes prey on mice, which helps reduce the possibility of rat infestations.