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Every monsoon, the same pattern repeats across large parts of India as the rain sets in and water tables rise, snakes that would otherwise stay hidden in burrows, drains, and undergrowth start turning up closer to homes. Heavy rains flood snake burrows and push their usual prey, such as rodents and frogs, closer to houses, which is a major reason sightings spike during this season. Wildlife rescue groups describe the monsoon as one of the busiest periods for human-snake encounters, and experts increasingly stress that understanding snake behaviour and recognising warning signs matters far more than panicking after the fact. Most encounters don't actually begin with a sighting; they begin with a handful of overlooked clues around the house. Here are six signs worth paying attention to this monsoon.