Wildlife in the Algarve — Meet Scarlet

Wildlife in the Algarve — Meet Scarlet

What an amazing and unexpected visitor we had!

It has been a long time since one of these little creatures decided to pay us a visit. I know… not everyone is a fan of snakes. But look at that innocent little face. How could you not be curious?

And knowing that the snakes we encounter here in the Algarve are not generally a danger to us makes it a little easier to see them for what they really are — simply another part of the wonderful wildlife around us.

So, how did we spot Scarlet?

The dogs, of course.

They have different barks for snakes, rats and cats, so we quickly know when there is something unusual around. They like to make sure we are informed about the local wildlife! Once we tell them to leave it alone, they usually do — and Scarlet was no exception.

Watching them made me think about something.

We humans aren't all that different from dogs when it comes to encountering something unfamiliar. Our first reaction can easily be fear. We see something we don't recognise, don't understand, or don't know how to deal with, and instinctively want to move away.

But perhaps unfamiliar doesn't always mean dangerous.

Sometimes, it simply means new.

A snake may look frightening to someone who isn't used to seeing one. But to Scarlet, this is simply her world. She isn't here to scare us. She's looking for food, shelter and a place to live — just like every other creature.

Maybe we should remember that when life introduces us to something unfamiliar.

Instead of immediately asking, “Should I be afraid?” perhaps we could sometimes ask:

“What if I simply don't know enough about it yet?”

Not everything unfamiliar deserves our fear.

Sometimes it just deserves a little curiosity, a little respect, and enough space to be what it is.

Welcome, Scarlet. 🐍You are a beautiful little reminder that nature doesn't always arrive in the form we expect — and that's part of what makes it so wonderful.