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Quick answer
As a charity committed to the conservation of the UK's reptiles
this is not something we wish to advise on.
Further information
It is important to remember that grass snakes, the most commonly
observed snake in gardens, are not venomous and you and your
pets are quite safe. We do not advise on measures to remove them
from gardens as it is considered unnecessary.
The only pets likely to be affected by a visiting grass snake
are fish - grass snakes feed on fish and frogs. Despite this, it
is important to bear in mind that a grass snake will have little
overall impact on the fish (or frog) population - they do not
eat large meals very often. If a lot of your fish have been
disappearing there are likely to be other predators at work as
well as the occasional grass snake.
Please read our identification
tips carefully if you are unsure
of the snake species in your garden.
Across Britain, snakes are disappearing because of a loss of
reptile-friendly habitats. In some urban areas, gardens are
becoming an important habitat for grass snakes, providing they
have ponds and amphibians on which to feed.
Grass snakes are very mobile and sightings are often fleeting
(such visits to your garden should be cherished!). If you have a
fear of snakes hopefully this is some reassurance, though you
should also be aware that if there are reptile-friendly habitats
in the surrounding area then other snakes may be present and may
also visit; this is the primary reason why removing snakes from
gardens is not a long-term solution. It's unlikely there will be
anyone who will remove a grass snake from your garden.
Snakes have undergone widespread declines in the last century,
and they are now protected by law against intentional killing
and injury. Please inform us confidentially if you have come
across cruelty to any of the UK's snakes.
A
grass snake is preying on frogs/fish, what should I do?
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