Grass snakes are found across most of England and Wales, but are absent from Scotland and Ireland. The species can occur in a variety of habitats, including woodland, but is normally found close to water. It may even occur in gardens with ponds and plenty of vegetation.
Where can I find grass snakes?
What habitats can you find grass snakes in? Grass snakes particularly like wetland habitats such as lakes and rivers. They can however be found in grasslands, open woodlands and in gardens, especially those that contain a pond.
Where are snakes in the UK found?
The Adder (or Common Viper)
They are widespread throughout mainland Britain and are able to survive extremely harsh conditions. They are the most frequently seen British snake and are becoming more common in open woodland, hedgerows, moorland, sand dunes, riverbanks, bogs, heathland and even mountains.
Do grass snakes in the UK bite?
They do catch mice and voles, but only on rare occasions. Although the Grass Snake rarely bites, it can put on a seemingly aggressive defence if cornered, inflating the body, hissing loudly and striking with the mouth closed.
How many grass snakes are there in the UK?
The estimated Grass Snake population in the UK is suggested to be around 365,000 snakes, however, losses in the last fifteen years means that this figure is expected to be a considerable over-estimate and may now be as low as 180,000.
Are there snakes in UK canals?
Equally happy on land and in water, grass snakes can be spotted basking in the sun on the towpaths or swimming across the canal. From October to March, British grass snakes retreat to old rabbit warrens, wall crevices or similar sheltered spots to hibernate through the winter months.
Can grass snakes hurt you?
Grass snakes are non-venomous and are extremely timid, moving off quickly when disturbed. If cornered they can feign death, and if handled frequently, produce a foul-smelling excretion.
Where in the UK is the most adders?
In Britain the Adder has a rather patchy distribution. It is more numerous in southern England than the north, is not common in the Midlands but is fairly numerous in west Wales and southwest England. It is widespread in Scotland but is absent from the Outer Hebrides, the Central Lowlands and the Northern Isles.
What 3 snakes live in the UK?
There are three species of snake native to the UK: grass snake, adder and smooth snake. Depending on where you are will affect what type of snake you’re more likely to see.
What is the most common snake in the UK?
Grass snake
Grass snake (Natrix helvetica)
The grass snake prefers wetlands where it hunts frogs, newts, fish and small mammals, sometimes swimming underwater to catch its prey. It is the UK’s most common and adaptable snake and is often found in gardens, particularly compost heaps.
Do grass snakes hiss at you?
Because of their liking for gardens and particularly for compost heaps, grass snakes are often encountered in gardens. They are harmless to humans, though they can act quite aggressively if cornered, puffing up their bodies, hissing loudly and even lunging to make a strike with a closed mouth.
Can you get snakes in your garden UK?
Several wild snakes can be found in the UK, and sometimes in some gardens too!
Do lawns attract snakes?
“If you have tall grass in your yard, there’s a good chance that snakes will start to frequent the area,” Craig Zeigler, owner of Agronomic Lawn Management, tells Best Life. “They’re known for being attracted to it because it provides them with cover and makes it easier for them to hunt prey.
What do I do if I find a grass snake?
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. Grass Snakes often hunt in water and will prey on amphibians and fish in garden ponds.
Do grass snakes bite dogs?
The adder is the only venomous species, grass snakes and smooth snakes aren’t venomous and don’t tend to bite. Adders tend to keep themselves to themselves and don’t bite unless they are scared, unfortunately, dogs tend to approach them without fear, startle them and get bitten.
Do grass snakes come out at night?
The grass snake is a diurnal animal being active throughout the day, sometimes seen basking on trees in the lower branches or in a trunk fork.
Can snakes in the UK swim?
Grass snakes are the largest in Britain, reaching up to approximately 1.3 metres. They have a round pupil and have a green back with dark bars. These snakes have a black and cream or white collar at the base of the head and are also proficient swimmers.
Do adders swim in lakes?
They are swimmers, and can often be spotted swimming in rivers and ponds.
Are there snakes in Birmingham UK?
Snake species, although present, are somewhat less common in Birmingham and the Black Country. Of the two native snake species found in the area, Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) is the more widespread, although it is thought that populations are in decline as the undisturbed habitat it requires is becoming more scarce.
What do grass snakes in UK eat?
What do grass snakes eat? Frogs, toads and newts are a grass snake’s favoured prey, but they will also take fish, small mammals and birds. With no venom, grass snakes rely on the element of surprise to hunt.
What does a UK grass snake look like?
Grass snakes are grey-green coloured with black bars down their sides and a yellow and black ‘collar’ around the neck. They are found throughout England and Wales, but not Scotland. They live close to water as they feed on amphibians and fish, so you might find them near garden ponds.