Are grass snakes in the UK poisonous?
Grass snakes are non venomous and pose no threat to humans. Grass snakes are the UK’s most common snake species.
Can a Grass Snake hurt you?
Predators include badgers, red foxes, domestic cats, hedgehogs and a number of birds; when caught, grass snakes hiss and release a foul-smelling substance from their anal gland. Although they may also strike with the head, they do not bite and are harmless to humans.
What is the difference between a Grass Snake and an adder?
Adders are much smaller than the grass snake, only measuring up to around 60cm (2 ft) in length. They have a dull mottled colour making them difficult to spot amongst vegetation, twigs and stones, but their continuous, dark zig-zag stripe down the back is a tell-tale marking.
What do you do if you find a grass snake in your garden?
Bring pets and children indoors (if the snake is still around), as they are the most at risk. Allow the snake to move through the garden – carefully note patterns down the back or along the sides, the colour and size; check identification again – it is much more likely to be a Grass Snake or Slow-Worm.
Are grass snakes protected UK?
Grass snakes are protected by law in Great Britain. It is illegal to deliberately kill, injure or sell grass snakes.
What happens if you get bitten by a grass snake?
Effects may include: shock; severe pain at the location of the bite; swelling, redness and bruising at the location of the bite; nausea and vomiting; diarrhoea; itchy lumps on the skin; swelling of the lips, tongue, gums and throat; breathing difficulties; mental confusion, dizziness or fainting; irregular heartbeat.
How do I know if I have a grass snake?
How to identify grass snakes. The markings of grass snakes can be rather variable. They are generally olive-green to brown in colour with black bars spaced evenly down their flanks. Their belly is also covered in black markings that are unique to each individual.
Will grass snakes eat goldfish?
A RSPCA spokesman said: “In the summer months, goldfish are one of their favourite foods. Grass snakes like to eat lots of fish, particularly from garden ponds. They also like toads, newts. “They can dislocate their jaws to eat large prey like that.”
Can I keep a grass snake as a pet?
Grass snakes, as with most pets, require a clean environment to thrive. We recommend a spot clean as often as possible (every day) and a full clean every 4 weeks or so. If you are keeping the snake in a bio-active enclosure you can spot clean and monitor the enclosure.
Are there any grass snakes in the UK?
In 2017, the grass snakes found in Britain and western Europe were reclassified as a new species ( Natrix helvetica) to separate them from those in central and eastern Europe ( Natrix natrix ). There is a lack of reliable information concerning the population trend of grass snakes in the UK.
What kind of snake is a grass snake?
The British population of grass snake belongs to the distinct subspecies Natrix natrix helvetica, but new research published in August 2017 proposed that it should be elevated to full species status, with the name barred grass snake, Natrix helvetica.
Which is the most common snake in the UK?
Grass snakes are the UK’s most common snake species. Your best chance of seeing a grass snake is to catch one basking in the morning sun. Grass snakes are non venomous and pose no threat to humans. Diet: amphibians, fish, small mammals, birds.
Is it OK to disturb a grass snake?
If you disturb a snake, it’s worth quietly revisiting the spot as the same basking points are often used regularly. In 2017, the grass snakes found in Britain and western Europe were reclassified as a new species ( Natrix helvetica) to separate them from those in central and eastern Europe ( Natrix natrix ).