Grass Snake

Description

The grass snake is a slim olive to dark grey snake usually under 1.2 m, with a row of small black bars along the flanks and a bright yellow or cream collar bordered behind by black, just behind the head. Females are markedly larger than males.

Behavior

Strong swimmers, grass snakes hunt frogs, toads, and newts in shallow water. When cornered they hiss, release foul-smelling musk, and may roll onto the back with mouth agape and tongue lolling — a remarkable death-feigning display known as thanatosis.

Range

Native to most of Europe, parts of North Africa, and western Asia. Several subspecies and recently recognised species (such as the barred grass snake) split the formerly broad range. Habitat loss has reduced numbers across western Europe.