Snakes are increasingly appearing on beaches of the Caspian and Black Seas. "Baza" Telegram channel reported this.
Incidents have been recorded in Sochi, Sevastopol, Derbent, and Makhachkala. One reason is the rising salinity of the Azov and Black Seas, affecting fish and food distribution.
Water snakes are migrating more actively along the coast and through the Kerch Strait. Consequently, they are more visible in the Black Sea area.
Heavy rains and floods in Krasnodar Krai also contributed. Biologist Victoria Lichagina notes that warming affects the number of reptiles.
In the Caspian region, spring floods in Dagestan increased snake numbers. Additionally, the reduction of wetlands, especially in the Volga delta, played a role.
Tourists now encounter water snakes and vipers from the viper family on Caspian beaches. Lichagina says changes in hydrological regime force migration.
