Grass Snake
Natrix natrix

The Grass Snake is the UK's most commonly reported snake.  It is a harmless garden inhabitant but will prey on frogs and fish.

DESCRIPTION

Size: Adults usually around 75cm/2.5ft but can reach 5ft (150cm)

Colour: Usually dark-olive green or brown back with yellow-cream belly.

Markings: Distinctive yellow and black collar behind the head.  Dark bars along the sides.

Identifying features:

• Yellow and black collar

• Only UK snake to grow over 2.5ft/75cm

• Circular pupil and copper iris

• Hunts in water

• Will often feign death if threatened

Diet: Mostly frogs and fish.

Breeding: The snakes mate in April-May and eggs are laid in compost heaps or piles of vegetation around June or July.  This is the only native snake to lay eggs.

Habitat: Hunts in ponds and rivers and lays its eggs in compost heaps/piles of vegetation so is the most commonly seen snake in gardens.

Dislikes: Cats, birds, disturbance.  

CURRENT STATUS: Protected by law against killing and injury. Grass snakes are thought to be dropping in numbers throughout the UK because of habitat loss and persecution.

DISTRIBUTION: 
In your garden... The most commonly seen snake in gardens as it hunts in ponds and takes advantage of compost heaps.
UK: Patchily distributed throughout England and Wales in a wide variety of damp habitats usually associated with ponds and lakes, marshes, streams and ditches. Absent from Ireland and most of Scotland but may occur around the borders.

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