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| Fact File |
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- Grass snakes are usually
15-100cm.
- Usually a shade of green, grey or
brown, with a cream, yellow or light green belly .
- Distinctive yellow and black
collar behind the head; dark bars/spots along the
sides and sometimes the back; dark patterns on the
belly which are unique to the individual.
- Circular pupil.
- Common but are thought to
be declining.
- Protected by law from deliberate
killing, injury and trade/sale.
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Photos (clockwise from top right): Barry Kemp, Jules
Howard/Froglife, Tony Wharton |
Grass snakes are found throughout England and Wales but are
absent from Scotland. They’re quite often seen in gardens,
especially those with ponds which the snakes can hunt in. Grass
snakes are quite timid, often feigning death if disturbed;
alternatively they may excrete a foul-smelling liquid. They are
our longest native snake and can reach 150cm.
| Adults emerge during March/April, with males
appearing before females. Mating takes place in April. |
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Grass snakes are the UK’s only egg-laying snake. Eggs
are laid in June/July in rotting vegetation (including
garden compost heaps), which acts as an incubator. The
eggs hatch in late summer – the pencil-sized juveniles
(around 15cm long) look exactly like miniature versions
of the adults. |
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The rest of the year is spent preparing for winter;
grass snakes primarily hunt for amphibians or fish in
ponds, canals and reservoirs (though they do not eat
large meals very often).
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| The snakes hibernate between November and March. |
Loss of habitats.
Snakes
in the Grass.
Frequently asked questions about
snakes.
Check out our
grass snake gallery on Facebook.
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