Who is Nicolas Fuento?
I have attended several lectures by Nicolas Fuento (in person and online), particularly on otters, but also on reptiles. Nicolas is a wildlife officer in Provence.
It was thanks to one of these conferences that I was able to create, structure and build a solid foundation of field information for my article on the 10 main Provence snakes.
I particularly appreciated his efforts to build connections: human activities and respect for the habitats of other species may seem contradictory at first glance. Nicolas teaches us, by example, that finding this balance requires open-mindedness and reflection.
I asked him three questions, and despite his busy schedule, he was able to find some time to answer them.
Interview
Could you introduce yourself: your initial training, your professional background, your area of specialisation, etc.?
My name is Nicolas Fuento, I am 33 years old. I quickly specialised in nature inventory and conservation, as after secondary school I left the traditional curriculum to study for a Technical Certificate in Wildlife Management in Roman-Bourg-de-Péage (editor’s note: it’s a bit above Provence). I then went to French Guiana to study for a degree in Nature Management and Protection. Finally, I completed my studies with a Professional Degree in Biodiversity Analysis and Inventory Techniques at Lyon 1 University. This last course took the form of an apprenticeship, which I completed at the Luberon Regional Nature Park.
Following these courses, I had several fixed-term contracts with LPO PACA (editor’s note: LPO is a French animal welfare organisation, and PACA designates France’ Provence area) from 2016 onwards, interspersed with trips to India and Africa in particular. Since 2020, I have been on a permanent contract with LPO PACA, working on projects mainly focused on reptiles and amphibians.
Among the species you care for are snakes. They are very little known to the general public. How do you explain this?
The first reason, in my opinion, is their discretion. Snakes are known for blending into their environment without being seen. This mimicry strategy allows them to spend long hours basking in the sun to warm themselves, while remaining safe from predators. Snakes do not sing melodious songs or perform beautiful courtship rituals. These characteristics make them difficult to observe. Even for the trained eye, most observations last only a few seconds before the snake slithers away.
Unfortunately, this discreet behaviour contributes to and fuels the second reason for this lack of knowledge, which is the fear of these animals passed down from generation to generation. I am still regularly told that vipers have been dropped from helicopters or that snakes have followed walkers trying to flee into tall grass…
All this stems from stories heard since early childhood from parents or grandparents, which do not encourage interest in these fascinating animals.
This lack of knowledge/ignorance gives rise to unfounded fears about certain species. Limiting ourselves to Provence, could you suggest the best course of action for each of the species listed below if one is found in your garage or home?
Smooth snake, Southern smooth snake, Western whip snake, Aesculapian snake, ladder snake, Western Montpellier snake, viperine snake, grass snake, asp viper, meadow viper
The vast majority of snakes found in homes are Western Montpellier snakes. This is an impressive snake because it is very fast and can grow to a considerable size, but it is harmless to humans.
For all these species, the best thing to do is to call the nearest snake emergency service : A snake entered my house, what should I do? (editor’snote: this link is for France only)
The snake emergency service (“SOS Snakes”) can advise you on the best course of action, which will depend on the specific situation. If necessary, someone can come to your location to remove the animal. In any case, it is strictly forbidden to try to hurt or kill the snake, as all snakes are protected in France.
Conclusion
By sharing his experience and expert opinion with us, Nicolas helps us understand how important it is to learn about snakes. They are, in fact, discreet animals and often harmless to humans, far removed from the myths and other false information commonly circulated. The role of wildlife experts such as Nicolas is essential in this regard, especially when towards children.
They also have some fascinating characteristics: they literally heat up their body thanks to the the sun, they shed their skin several times a year, they are deaf but sensitive to vibrations (such as your footsteps when you approach them), their tongues enable them to analyse (chemically) their environment, and so on.
The LPO PACA has posted contact information online to use if you need information or assistance after discovering a snake ‘SOS Snakes’ (editor’s note: France only).