While it might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wildlife, drains can serve as surprising habitats for a variety of animals who have adapted to the dark, damp and often challenging conditions of underground drainage systems. Let’s look at some animals that call drains home.
Rats
Perhaps the most infamous residents of urban drains, rats are skilled survivors. They thrive in the dark and wet environments provided by sewers and stormwater drains and their adaptability to city life has earned them a reputation as some of the most successful drain dwellers.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are incredibly resilient creatures that can endure extremely harsh conditions. Drains provide them with moisture and shelter, making these insects well-suited for this subterranean lifestyle.
Frogs
Drain Pipes and culverts can become temporary homes for amphibians like frogs. These creatures may seek refuge in drains during dry spells or as a way to escape predators.
Turtles
Surprisingly, turtles have been found in storm drains, drainage ditches and sewer systems. They are often drawn to these underground environments due to the water sources they provide. A more surprising animal than the turtle is the alligator, and for many years there have been rumours that they roam the sewers of New York.
Fish
In certain areas, fish such as minnows and even small carp have been discovered living in stormwater drains. These aquatic residents likely entered the drains during heavy rains or flooding and found the environment suitable for survival. For CCTV drainage surveys Kingsbury, contact a specialist such as www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/drain-jetting/drain-jetting-kingsbury/.
Crustaceans
Drainage systems can harbour tiny crustaceans like freshwater shrimp and crayfish. These creatures thrive in the submerged nooks and crannies of pipes and tunnels.
Insects and Arachnids
Drain systems are perfect breeding grounds for insects like mosquitoes and spiders. The dark, stagnant water often found in drains provides an ideal environment for these creatures to reproduce.
Bats
Some species of bats, like the brown long-eared bat, have been known to roost in drains and tunnels. They seek shelter and often find it in the dark, secluded spaces of underground systems.