- Grass snakes are one of only a few reptiles present in Northern Europe, and can survive even in the colder climates of Russia and Scandinavia.
- Grass snakes are semi-aquatic and prefer to live as close to water as possible - they are strong swimmers and prey on fish and amphibians.
- Their Latin name Natrix natrix comes from this attribute - Natrix means water-snake.
- They have also been known by the alternative names "water snake" and "ringed snake". The latter name comes from the distinctive yellow collar-like markings that grass snakes have immediately behind their heads. (Checking for this "collar" is also a good way to distinguish a grass-snake from a common adder.)
- Grass-snakes are entirely harmless to humans. Although they will sometimes rear up as if to strike if frightened, they very rarely actually bite - even on the rare occasions they do, their bite is non-venomous and harmless.
- A grass-snake is more likely to defend itself in other ways, and when threatened will often attempt to feign death, rolling onto its back with its mouth gaping open - this is to discourage predators who tend to prefer live prey.
- ... if that doesn't work, they may discharge a foul-smelling liquid from the cloaca. This liquid is also harmless, but unpleasant!
- Newly hatched baby grass snakes are the size of small earthworms, but by adulthood will grow to be between three and six feet long.
- bbc.co.uk - some beautiful footage of grass snakes, including very young baby snakes hunting!
- Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group - Lots of information about grass snakes and lots of photos, including some fantastic close-up pictures of juvenile snakes
- HerpFrance.com - more information about the species, including info on the various subspecies of grass snakes and where they can be found, as well as several photographs.
- freesnake.com - lots of images of grass snakes.
Fever - a fanlisting for stingrays