Animal care - British snakes

During the warmer weather, the RSPCA deals with dozens of calls regarding snakes. The rise in temperature in the spring wakes these reptiles after a state of reduced activity, similar to hibernation, and they become relatively active.

Slow worms, adders, grass and smooth snakes are all indigenous to Britain and sometimes venture into rural gardens. However, there is no need to panic. Snakes are rarely seen, are very timid, and quickly disappear if spotted.

Grass snakes are good swimmers and are often found near ponds, streams and lakes, smooth snakes prefer dry, sunny places, adders like a varied habitat but mostly heathland, and slow worms - legless lizards - prefer damp places with lush vegetation.

Stay calm!
If you find a snake, stay calm and don't touch it. There’s no need to be scared because if left alone they will go away. They are more frightened of humans than we are of them. In fact, some snakes are very rare so we should be pleased to see them in our neighbourhood.

Netting nightmare
Gardeners are urged to ensure that netting, used to cover ponds or fruit and vegetables, is kept taut and checked daily. Using a mesh size of at least 4cm reduces the risk of wild animals, in particular snakes, becoming entangled.

Snakes slither through netting looking for food such as frogs, toads or fish, but after eating they are fatter and often get stuck in the netting on their way out.

Grass snakes, which are completely harmless to humans and pets, are normally olive green/brown with black bars or spots down their sides and a yellow and black ‘collar’ behind their head. Occasionally they are very dark or black. They are the largest British snake and can grow up to five feet although more commonly measure around three feet.

All are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to injure or kill them.