Snakes from Britain

 

Snakes from Britain

Only three snake species are native to the United Kingdom's mainland (which comprises England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland). The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 provides legal protection to all of them. The Adder, Grass Snake, and Smooth Snake are all protected snakes. The Berne Convention, which went into effect in 1982 to safeguard European endangered wildlife species, also protects the Adder (June).

The Adder says:

The Adder is the only one of the three snakes that are native to Scotland; the others find it too cold to live there, so they migrate south. This demonstrates that the Adder is a hardy species capable of thriving in the harsher northern parts of the United Kingdom. 

It's no surprise, then, that the Adder hibernates from October to March, and you're unlikely to spot one during that period. The other two snakes also hibernate during this time throughout the remainder of the United Kingdom, as it becomes quite cold in the UK during the winter.

An adult Adder can reach a length of roughly 3 feet, which is little in comparison to many exotic snakes. However, in the snake world, cooler conditions tend to limit size and number. Normal sizes are closer to 2 feet, with the female being slightly larger at 2.5 feet. 

The Adder has the most prominent markings of the three snakes found in the UK. They have a dark zigzag pattern on their backs that ranges from gray to brown.

The Viper Adder is a venomous snake. It is the UK's sole native venomous snake, and it should never be handled or threatened. Although Adder venom is rarely lethal to humans, any bite should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible.

Its venom is powerful enough to kill a dog, and it would very surely kill very young children. If you come across a pet or a youngster while working in the woods, keep them far away. 

Adders are not hostile snakes by nature; but, research has found that their venom is more effective in the months after their hibernation. It is not necessary to be alarmed if you see an Adder because they are unlikely to strike unless they are handled or threatened, but you should always be cautious.

Snake of the Grass:

The Grass Snake is the largest of the three snakes found in the United Kingdom. A fully developed adult can be over 6 feet long, though 4 feet is more frequent. Grass snakes are also known as Water snakes or Ringed snakes because they can swim well and consume mostly fish and amphibious animals. 

The Grass snake is more difficult to see than the Adder due to its coloration and lack of pattern. The snake's back is a uniform brown or green color over its entire length.

It has no dorsal markings, but a pale yellow or white belly with two rows of darker spots on either side. The "collar" behind the head of the grass snake, which is either yellow or white in color and breaks up the generally dull coloring of this critter, is a distinctive feature. In the cooler locations, such as the northern counties, the coloring is darker. 

Male snakes are about 3 to 4 inches shorter and have a lower girth than female snakes of the same species (around the waist). I can't help but think that humans have lost out on that quality of being smaller around the middle. Of course, I speak for myself.

Grass snakes are more prevalent in the warmer southern regions, but they can also be found over much of middle and southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East.

Snake with a Smooth Coat:

The Smooth Snake is exclusively found in southern England, with the western counties having the highest population. It is the rarest of Britain's natural reptiles. 

They are slimmer than either the Adder or the Grass snake, reaching heights of 2 ft to 2 ft 3 inches and occasionally 2 ft 6 inches.

The Smooth Snake got its name because it lacks the ridges and central keels that other snakes have, making it slower than its British counterparts. It is, however, highly adapted to its surroundings, where it can be found navigating dense undergrowth. This Smooth Snake is frequently mistaken for a Slow Worm, a smooth snake-like "worm" that is much smaller than the Smooth Snake. 

A fascinating fact about the Smooth Snake is that it is commonly referred to as "Mute" because it makes few or no sounds. When they are stressed, they are known to emit a quick hiss, which is frequently followed by a strike or swift sudden movement of the fore-body.

Smooth Snakes are usually grey or brownish in color, with a double row of spots running the length of their back, which can occasionally appear as two stripes or bars. Young people are usually dark grey or black. The color of the throat and the front region of the belly are usually red or orange. In males, the dots might be brown or red.