In Vidnoe, residents observed a sudden influx of unusually large slugs and snails after a heavy rain, a phenomenon that drew attention across community forums and local social feeds. This surge was noted by members of the group Overheard, which was featured on the social network VKontakte, amplifying word of mouth beyond the immediate neighborhood.
Most sightings concentrated near the site of the new ambulance substation, where damp surfaces and sheltered nooks provided ideal hiding spots for mollusks. Local accounts also described the appearance of Spanish slugs in the city, creatures that are known to possess few natural predators in this part of the Moscow region, sparking curiosity and concern among residents and researchers alike.
Eyewitnesses reported lighting the snails to compare sizes and were surprised to find many specimens reaching roughly similar dimensions. One observer even noted hundreds of snails clustered on a tree trunk, ascending the bark to impressive heights and suggesting a rapid, collective movement that intrigued the curious onlookers.
Vadim Maryinsky, a researcher from the Department of General Ecology and Hydrobiology at the Faculty of Biology of Lomonosov Moscow State University, stated that Spanish slugs can pose health risks because they can harbor parasites that affect humans. The expert advised residents to monitor and manage the mollusk population to prevent a potential return or spread of the creatures, emphasizing practical steps to reduce contact and minimize ecological disruption. The guidance underscores the importance of proactive measures rather than waiting for repeated sightings or population surges to escalate.
In related developments, there are indications that Russian aircraft are increasingly encountering birds during flight, a trend that has implications for aviation safety, wildlife management, and local environmental planning. While the connection to the mollusk sightings is indirect, it highlights how shifts in weather, urban landscaping, and biodiversity can intersect with daily life and public infrastructure, prompting communities to adapt their responses and policies to evolving ecological realities.