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There are three native species of snake in the UK, plus the
slow-worm - a legless lizard which looks like a snake. You are
most likely to see grass snakes or slow-worms in your garden.
The following tips should be useful for identification.
(top photo)
Very distinctive zigzag pattern.
Males: grey with
black markings.
Females: brown with dark markings.
Rarely seen in gardens as they
prefer undisturbed habitats.
(2nd photo)
Yellow and black 'collar'.
Commonly a shade of green or
brown with 'bar' markings down each side.
The snake most commonly observed in
gardens.
Hunt in ponds, canals and rivers.
(3rd photo)
Coppery, gold, brown or grey.
Shiny appearance.
Cylindrical body.
Moveable eyelid allowing them to
blink.
Tail can detach if attacked.
The most common reptile in
gardens in England and Wales, often found underneath slabs and
within compost heaps.
(bottom photo)
Rare and secretive
Very unlikely to be seen in
gardens as they depend almost wholly on heathland.
Butterfly-shaped marking on the
top of the head
Dark lines on the sides of the
head behind the eyes.
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