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Quick answer
Nothing! Grass snakes are a natural predator of frogs (and fish)
and it's best not to interfere; one snake will not make much
impact on the population.
Further information
Grass snakes often hunt in water and will prey on amphibians and
fish in garden ponds. It's highly unlikely the snake will have a
significant impact on these populations as they do not eat large
meals very often.
There is not a lot that can be done to protect amphibians from
their various predators and it's not really necessary - frogs,
in particular, play an important part in the foodchain and it's
best not to interfere.
If you choose to protect your fish by covering the pond with a
net, make sure it has a very small mesh size as otherwise the
snakes and other wildlife may become entangled and could die;
grass snakes, like all UK reptiles, are protected by law against
killing and injury.
Seeing a grass snake in your garden is the ultimate reflection
of a happy, healthy wildlife garden. Encounters are often
fleeting so cherish it while it lasts, you might never see one
again! It is important to report your sightings to help build up
local and national records of these declining species. Get in
touch with the local
Biological Records Centre and your local
Amphibian and Reptile Group (ARG) if you have seen grass snakes
in your garden and remember to fill in our
Snakes in the
Grass survey.
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