Grass Snake

This common snake is of the nonvenomous variety and is also called the ringed snake and water snake.

The common grass snakes’ colors are gray or green with a white or yellow neck collar. They have identification marks of interlinked yellow and black on the neck, forming a ring or band. The face is a mask of slashes and black bars.

Fond of wet habitats, the common snake lurks in gardens and dry grasslands in locations near bodies of water. During warm months, the creature will lie in the sun near ponds and lakes, and sometimes enjoy a nice swim.

Other facts include:

• The common snake preys on fish, amphibians, birds, and small mammals for its diet.
• The reptiles hibernate between October and April.
• When threatened, they release a smelly, sticky musk.
• The predators have a lifespan of 10 years.

4 Amazing Common Snake Facts

Here are four facts about the reptile that is interesting, amazing, and informative.

• Grass snakes are predators, feeding primarily on toads, frogs, and fish; with the occasional young birds and small mammals.
• The reptiles seem to enjoy the day, often found lying in the sun.
• Threatened snakes have a number of defensive strategies that include releasing horrible odors.
• When it goes into a shedding cycle, it becomes defensive because it can’t see as well as normal.

Where to Find Them

The grass snake inhabits so much of western Asia and Europe (where three species of the reptile almost bombard the United Kingdom). So fruitful are the animals, they’re considered common, hence the name.

The creatures prefer locations near rivers, ponds, lakes, and other wetland habitats. They’re exceptional swimmers and spend time leisurely enjoying the waters and sun around their ecosystems.

Scientific Name

The common grass snake is classified Natrix natrix. Also known as a water snake or ringed snake, among many monikers, it’s a non-venomous Eurasian colubrid reptile.

Currently, scientists have five common grass snake subspecies listed:

• Natrix natrix natrix
• Natrix natrix moreotica
• Natrix natrix scutata
• Natrix natrix syriaca
• Natrix natrix vulgaris

Population and Conservation Status

Grass snakes are common throughout most of its range, although there are pockets where the populations are fragmented.

Conservationists do not see any threat of endangerment for the common grass snake. According to the IUCN Red List, the species is listed as being of “Least Concern.” But though the population’s stable, the destruction of habitats and pollution pose a risk to the species’ amphibious diet.

Appearance and Description

The common grass snake is usually brown or dark green with a creamy-white to yellow collar behind its head. However, it can also range from gray to black, depending on its location. Its belly is usually off-white with black blotches that can be used to recognize individual snakes, much like a zebra’s stripes.

These snakes have round pupils and several large flat scales on its head and can grow to over three feet long.

How Dangerous Are They?

The grass snake is relatively harmless as it avoids conflict. In general, they pose no threat to other animals. But the creature’s bite can lead to severe illness and fatalities.

These snakes don’t tend to bite, but that doesn’t mean they won’t. Curious animals like dogs or cats have been on the wrong end of a grass snake’s teeth. If this happens, clean the wound to be sure it doesn’t become infected.

Behavior and Humans

Grass snakes are harmless, although they may musk when handled. These snakes are perfectly happy living anywhere they can find food.

In some cultures, they were revered as sacred animals. Baltic mythology holds that an injured snake may take its revenge or killing grass snakes could bring bad luck to the person who did the deed. In some Lativian and Lithuanian traditions, grass snakes are a sign of a house blessing.