The rainy season in Teresina has caused a noticeable uptick in the appearance of snakes and other reptiles within urban areas. According to the Batalhão de Polícia Ambiental (Environmental Police Battalion), 108 reptiles were rescued in February, following 84 rescues in January. The majority of the rescues involved boa constrictors, although iguanas and caimans have also been reported, while sightings of anacondas remain less frequent.

Josilene Alves, head of the unit, explained that this increase in snake activity is a common occurrence during the rainy season, correlated with a rise in the population of food sources such as rats, frogs, and other small animals. The abundance of available prey makes snakes more active in seeking food, leading to more encounters with humans in urban neighborhoods.

Furthermore, Alves pointed out that community awareness and the proper measures for addressing wildlife encounters are critical. With the changing climate and increased rainfall patterns, residents are encouraged to remain cautious and report any snake encounters to the authorities, ensuring both their safety and the humane treatment of the reptiles.