If a grass snake appears in your garden, this is no cause for concern. The native snake species is completely harmless to people and pets. Read here what distinguishes a grass snake, how to recognize it and how to behave correctly in an encounter.
Are grass snakes dangerous in the garden?
A grass snake in the garden is harmless to people and pets. It prefers natural gardens with ponds and feeds on frogs, newts and fish. Grass snakes are protected by the Federal Nature Conservation Act and should not be disturbed or caught.
On land and on water – grass snakes love garden ponds
Formal, strictly ordered and pesticide-contaminated gardens leave a grass snake completely disgusted. The shy snake is picky and prefers to grace natural gardens with a pond. As a semi-aquatic creature, the snake is not only native to land, but is also an excellent swimmer. Frogs, newts and unfortunately also fish are on their menu. Therefore, the European water snake species is not a welcome guest, although its visit signals that you as a gardener have done everything right.
Non-toxic and shy – characteristic features at a glance
Grass snakes can either be spotted sunbathing in the garden or swimming elegantly through the pond in search of their next meal. They like to hide in the compost heap to create their nursery there. The snake species can be clearly identified by the following characteristics:
- Slim body shape with a length of 75 cm (male) to 150 cm (female)
- Unmistakable characteristic: 2 crescent-shaped, yellow neck spots
- Body colors: olive green, olive gray, brownish to greenish
- Above: small, black spots in 4 to 6 rows
Grass snake heyday is between March and May, so 20 to 30 pencil-sized young snakes can be in your garden and pond at this time.
Hunting prohibited – grass snakes are strictly protected
Grass snakes are at risk of extinction as their habitats are shrinking dramatically. Therefore, the good-natured snakes have been subject to strict protection under the Federal Nature Conservation Act for several years. It is strictly forbidden to disturb, catch or even kill grass snakes. However, a firm stomp is enough to drive the snakes away, never to be seen again.
Just calm – tips for the right behavior
If you encounter a grass snake in your garden, there is no reason to panic. Please leave an escape route open for the shy animal, as it will quickly run away. If the adder sees no opportunity to escape, it defends itself with mock attacks. Although she thrusts with her head, her mouth remains closed with her sharp teeth.
Please do not touch the snake, because then it will release a secretion that gives off an infernal stench. In its distress, the harassed grass snake could then bite. A bite is not poisonous. However, the needle-sharp teeth can cause painful injuries.
Tip
Can't you recognize the characteristics described on a snake in your garden? Then it is not a grass snake, but the very rare smooth snake. These snakes are more inconspicuous and smaller than grass snakes and cannot swim. Since they hunt for mice and other pests, the non-poisonous smooth snakes also make a valuable contribution to ecological balance.
