Snakes invade the school and the expert investigates: “They’re restless because they’re only thinking about one thing — females”
A school in Finland has been dealing with recurring snake infestations each spring for years — all due to the reptiles’ natural mating season.
The arrival of spring doesn’t just bring blooming flowers to the schoolyard in Hausjärvi, a town in southern Finland. It also signals the return of a more elusive visitor. For years, vipers have been spotted near the school grounds, causing concern among students and staff. In 2025, the municipality has decided to go beyond simply relocating the snakes and is now considering structural solutions.
To tackle the issue, the municipality brought in Toni Beckman, an expert in reptile management, who inspected the area. According to Finnish public broadcaster Yle, Beckman explained that the snakes remain in the area because the terrain provides ideal living conditions: “The railway embankment is covered in gravel and rocks that retain heat. There’s also shade, water, and food available,” he said.
He also noted that most of the snakes seen entering the schoolyard are males searching for females during the mating season. The constant passing of trains next to the school does not disturb their behavior. “They’re used to it. A snake brought in from somewhere else would likely be stressed by the vibrations, but these are already adapted residents,” he added.
The school, named Monni, already has a steel fence separating it from the railway tracks — but it hasn’t been enough. Beckman recommends a more permanent solution: installing an additional low barrier made of dense material, such as heavy-duty tarp or fine mesh, to prevent slithering entry without disrupting the ecosystem. “Vipers don’t climb well unless they have something to grip. A well-designed fence could significantly reduce their presence in the yard,” he advised.
Not an isolated case
This isn’t Beckman’s first time assisting the school. In the spring of 2023, during his initial visit, he helped capture several snakes and trained both school staff and students on how to safely respond to snake encounters. For safe transport, Beckman uses a specialized thermal bag designed to protect both the animal and the handler.
In an interview with Yle, Beckman emphasized that relocated snakes must be released very close to their original habitat to avoid disorientation or stress. That’s why, he says, “The goal isn’t to move them — it’s to prevent them from reaching sensitive areas in the first place.” The municipality is currently evaluating the feasibility of the proposed fence as a long-term solution.
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