Snakes have been invading homes in the southern canton of Ticino over the past few weeks, although all those so far removed have been harmless and local to the region.

The local animal protection association, Protezione Animali, said on Tuesday it had collected nine snakes from living rooms, kitchens and cellars and released them back into the wild.

Several different kinds had been found: grass snakes, smooth snakes, viperine water snakes and one Aesculapian snake – a species which can grow up to two metres in length and climb trees.

Armando Besomi of the Bellinzona animal protection association said snakes were probably coming into the houses because nights were getting colder and harvesting was in full swing out in the fields.

He advised anyone who found a snake in their home to leave a door or window open during the daytime and the animal would normally find its own way out.

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