All About Grass Snakes - Grass Snake Information & Facts

About Grass Snakes

In the UK, the Grass Snake is one of the most common reptiles. With its green body, yellow and black collar, pale belly and dark markings this snake is in abundance throughout England and Wales.

Grass Snakes found in Britain love water - so you often find them in wetland habitats or basking in the sun near their favourite pond.

This native species is the largest in the UK (with females being larger that males), but also harmless to humans.

Grass Snakes are protected under the wildlife and countryside act, which means it is illegal to deliberately kill, harm or injure these creatures.

How Big Do Grass Snakes Get?

As one of our longest native species, they can reach up to 150 cm in length.

Do Grass Snakes Hibernate?

Yes, Grass Snakes (Natrix helvetica) do hibernate. Grass Snakes typically enter hibernation during the colder months, from October to April, and emerge in the spring when temperatures start to rise.

They choose sheltered and insulated locations for hibernation, such as compost heaps, rodent burrows, hollow tree stumps, underground cavities, and piles of leaf litter or other organic material.

During hibernation, Grass Snakes enter a state of dormancy where their metabolic rate significantly decreases, allowing them to survive without food for extended periods. They may hibernate alone or in groups, depending on the availability of suitable sites.

Before hibernation, Grass Snakes actively feed to build up fat reserves that will sustain them through the winter months. As the weather cools, they seek out appropriate hibernation sites that provide protection from freezing temperatures and predators.

Hibernation is a crucial survival strategy for Grass Snakes, allowing them to endure the cold winter months when their prey is scarce and temperatures are too low for active hunting and digestion.

Grass Snake Habitat

The main place you'll spot these creatures is in wetlands; anything from garden ponds, lakes and rivers make the perfect home for this smooth snake. These areas provide them with ample opportunities for hunting prey.

Garden compost heaps are another favourite. The warmth and safety aspect of these spots means they are the perfect spot for these distinctive yellow snakes to lay eggs and hibernate.

Grass Snakes are found in woodlands too. The long grass creates a suitable hunting ground the ecosystem is perfect for a lot of the grey green Grass Snakes prey to thrive.

What Do Grass Snakes Eat

The main part of the Grass Snakes diet is amphibians, this includes frogs, newts and toads and they hunt these beside bodies of water. They also can hunt effectively for fish as they are great swimmers.

Occasionally, small mammals fall victim to these snakes. Especially when other food sources are running low.

If they live in the same area, Grass Snakes have also been known to hunt Slow Worms (the Legless Lizard).

Grass Snake Breeding

Once they have come out of hibernation in spring, the breeding season begins. The courtship will begin with males following females, lining up beside her and rubbing his chin on her neck.

Once they have mated, the Grass Snake is an egg laying snake, so the female will find somewhere to lay her eggs. This will be a warm and humid environment like rotting vegetation, compost heaps or manure heaps.

The snake will lay around 10 to 40 eggs and they'll incubate for around 6 to 10 weeks. Once the eggs hatch (with the young snakes using a special egg tooth to break open the shell), they are full independent.

Young Grass Snakes look like miniature versions of the adult snake.

Grass Snake Predators

Grass Snakes (Natrix helvetica) face predation from a variety of animals throughout their lifecycle. Birds of prey, such as buzzards and herons, are significant predators of Grass Snakes, particularly targeting juveniles and smaller adults.

Mammalian predators, including foxes, badgers, and hedgehogs, also pose a threat, especially to eggs and young snakes. Additionally, domestic cats can prey on Grass Snakes in gardens and urban areas.

Five Facts About Grass Snakes

1. Grass Snakes are excellent swimmers and can often be seen gliding through water in search of prey.

2. They are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans, often preferring to flee when encountered.

3. When threatened, Grass Snakes may emit a foul-smelling secretion or play dead by flipping onto their backs and lying motionless.

4. Grass Snakes can lay between 10 to 40 eggs, often choosing warm compost heaps or rotting vegetation as ideal incubation sites.

5. Despite their name, Grass Snakes are versatile and can thrive in various habitats, including woodlands, gardens, and wetlands.