Your home might not be as empty as you think. Following the tragic death of musician Nanya Music from a snakebite, veteran wildlife conservationist Dr. Mark Ofua has issued a chilling warning: venomous snakes can co-exist with humans for years, completely undetected. He has outlined four critical signs that every homeowner must know to avoid a similar fate.

The warning comes in the wake of a shocking incident where the family of the late musician discovered three cobras living inside their house *after* her death. This horror story has prompted Dr. Ofua, founder of Saint Mark's Animal Hospital, to speak out. He explains that snakes are "primal and silent creatures," masters of stealth that prefer to avoid conflict but will strike lethally if cornered. "You could be sharing your bedroom with a cobra and never know it until it is too late," Ofua cautioned.

The Telltale Signs

Dr. Ofua's advice focuses on observation. Since snakes are experts at hiding, you are more likely to see the evidence of their presence than the reptiles themselves. He highlights specific indicators that should trigger immediate action.

1. Strange Feces: Unlike rodent droppings which are small pellets, snake feces are distinct. They often contain fur, bones, or feathers from their prey. Finding unexplained, dark droppings in secluded corners is a major red flag.

2. Unexplained Noises: While snakes are silent movers, they can create sound when navigating clutter. Ofua points to "rustling sounds" in cupboards, ceilings, or storerooms—noises that don't quite sound like rats—as a potential sign of a large reptile shifting its weight.

• 3. Shed Skin: As snakes grow, they shed their skin in one piece. Finding a papery, translucent skin cast in a basement, attic, or garden shed is the most definitive proof of a resident snake.
• 4. Disappearance of Pests: A sudden, unexplained drop in the population of rats or mice in your home isn't always good luck. It often means a predator has moved in. Snakes are efficient hunters, and a "clean" house might just be a feeding ground.

Safety First

Dr. Ofua warns against amateur heroism. If you spot these signs, do not go hunting for the snake yourself. "A cornered snake is a deadly snake," he advises. Instead, contact wildlife control professionals who can safely extract the animal. The tragedy of Nanya Music serves as a grim reminder that in the tropics, nature sometimes crosses the threshold, and ignorance can be fatal.