Froglife Volunteer and Wildlife Artist, Samantha Marais, is adding to her ongoing species drawing collection this month with the UK Snakes.
Grass Snake (Natrix natrix)
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. Find out more.
Adder (Vipera berus)
Adders are found throughout Britain, right up to the north of Scotland, but their secretive nature and camouflaged markings mean they often go unnoticed. This can sometimes be a good thing – as the only venomous snake in the UK they have often been persecuted in the past. Adder bites are painful but rarely fatal and usually only occur if the snake is disturbed or deliberately antagonised. Adders are a sturdy looking snake and are easy to distinguish from the other native species. Find out more.
Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca)
The Smooth Snake is the UK’s rarest reptile and is only found on the heathlands of Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex. Their name comes from the fact the scales are smooth and flat, unlike the Grass Snake’s and Adder’s scales which have a ridge down the middle. They are a shy, secretive snake. Find out more.