Snake Expert Dr Mark Ofua Points Out Factors That Attract Snakes to Your House and Compound
Published 2 Feb 2026 at 12:10 PM by Victor Duru
Dr Mark Ofua, a renowned veterinarian, conservationist, and educator based in Lagos, has detailed the common reasons snakes are drawn to residential areas and homes across Nigeria. In an exclusive interview, Dr Mark, founder of Saint Mark's Animal Hospital, emphasized that snakes typically avoid human interaction, but human activities often force encounters.
Understanding Snake Behavior and Human-Wildlife Conflict
Dr Mark, who has been practicing since 2014, explained that snakes are primal creatures with basic senses and no concept of play or fun. "Snakes ordinarily don’t want to come close to people," he stated. "It’s usually people who go to clear out the snake homes, such as forests, to build their houses. This incursion into their territories leads to an unavoidable interaction, known as human-wildlife conflict."
He further described that any snake encountered is likely engaged in essential activities: hunting for food, fleeing danger, returning from a hunt, or sunning itself to gain energy. This insight comes amid heightened awareness following the tragic death of singer Ifunanya 'Nanyah' Nwangene, who was bitten by a snake, underscoring the urgency of understanding these reptiles.
Key Factors That Attract Snakes to Residential Areas
Dr Mark outlined specific reasons why snakes visit or inhabit homes in Nigeria, urging residents to assess their surroundings. He highlighted that rubble, leftover pipes, fittings, blocks, wood, and other building materials can create safe havens for snakes to dwell. "Has your compound created a safe abode for the snakes?" he questioned. "Do you have materials that have created a haven for them?"
Additionally, snakes are attracted to compounds that harbor their prey, including rats, lizards, frogs, and even chickens. "Snakes will travel great distances following trails of rodents and other small animals," Dr Mark noted. "If you have these prey in your house or compound, it can attract snakes, or their path of travel might unfortunately lead them through your home."
Proactive Measures and Safety Awareness
To mitigate risks, Dr Mark advises Nigerians to regularly inspect their properties for potential snake attractants and remove debris or materials that could serve as shelters. Keeping compounds clean and free of prey animals can also reduce the likelihood of snake visits. This guidance is part of a broader effort to promote coexistence and safety in urban and rural settings.
In related advice, snake experts recommend specific steps if bitten, such as moving away carefully to avoid further bites and attempting to describe the snake for identification. Dr Mark's insights aim to foster a better understanding of snake behavior, helping communities prevent unwanted encounters and protect both human and wildlife well-being.
