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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.
15-100cm (but can reach over 150cm).
usually a shade of green, grey or brown, with a cream, yellow or
light green belly.
a yellow and black collar behind the head and dark bars or spots
along the sides and sometimes the back; dark patterns over the
belly.
widespread and common but thought to be declining; protected by
law from deliberate killing, injury and trade/sale.
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 juveniles (around 15cm long) look exactly like
miniature versions of the adults.
Grass snakes hibernate between November and March.
Adults emerge during March/April, with males appearing before
females. Mating takes place in April. The rest of the year is
spent hunting for amphibians or fish, though they do not eat
large meals very often.
Loss of habitats.
Snakes
in the Grass.
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