Grass Snake
Natrix natrix
Adult grass snakes live around wetlands, ponds, marshy meadows, gardens, and woodland edges, often swimming confidently in search of frogs, toads, newts, and small fish. They are non-venomous and usually flee from danger, but may hiss, flatten the head, release foul musk, or play dead when handled. Females lay eggs in warm rotting vegetation such as compost heaps, where heat helps incubation. One notable defense is thanatosis: the snake may roll limp, gape, and smell foul to convince predators it is already dead.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- Grass Snake Hatchling
- Grass Snake