Snakes

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Last revised: 20 December 2007

Snake pictures:- slow worm-grass snake-adder











What should I do if I see a snake?

If you see a snake, that you believe to be native to the UK, leave it alone.

If you see a trapped or injured snake please call the RSPCA on 0870 55 55 999 or Wiltshire Wildlife on 01380 725670

If you think the snake is not native to the UK call the RSPCA on 0870 55 55 999 for advice.

Snakes and the law

It is illegal to kill, injure or sell any native British snake or lizard including Grass Snakes, Adders and Slow worms. (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981)

Grass Snake

Grass Snakes are not poisonous. Although they may hiss and strike out if disturbed, they are completely harmless to man. They are olive green with dark spots on the sides and back, white and black scales on the belly, and a cream or yellow collar.

It is the largest British snake usually measuring about 4 feet long.

Grass snakes mainly live in woodland but can often be found in parks or gardens. They can sometimes be seen lying in water on very sunny days.

They are the most common snakes seen in British gardens and feed mainly on frogs, toads and fish.

Grass Snakes hibernate in the autumn, and do not appear until spring.

After mating in May, the females lay their eggs in June or July. They lay their eggs in warm, moist, rotting vegetation, such as garden compost heaps.

Adder or Viper

The Adder, or Viper, is Britain’s only poisonous snake. It is easily recognised by the dark joined-up diamond pattern down its back. The body is usually grey or brown but there are several different colour types.

Males grow to about 18 inches in length and females to 2 feet.

They eat small animals, nestling birds, eggs, lizards, young frogs and toads.

Mating takes place in April-early May and the live young are born in August/September.

Adders are reluctant to bite unless harmed and generally avoid humans.

Adder bites are not often fatal. The last reported fatality was in 1972.

However, bites can be more serious in children than in adults.

If you see an Adder you should leave it alone.

Slow worm

The Slow worm is actually a lizard without legs. They are completely harmless and eat slugs, which is why they can often be found in gardens. Young slow worms are pale gold and adults are grey, brown or bronze. There is also a

blue spotted variety. Slow worms grow to about 12 inches long.