Grass snake (1 Viewer)

We haven't had a grass snake in our garden for at least five years when I found one in our top pond.

Yesterday morning OH was quite taken aback to find one slithering around in a flower bed. According to my Collins book, grass snakes have become rarer in recent years. They like compost heaps to lay their eggs in ... and we have five compost heaps! :eek!:

Are grass snakes becoming rarer?

You are brave, I would have went in the other direction quickly.

Looks like you are correct about them becoming rarer.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/278.shtml

I seem to remember as a kid seeing Grass snakes on a regular basis, even caught one for a pet (that was before we knew better) it must be close to a decade since I saw my last one. Have they become very scarce or is West Yorkshire a poor location for them? My childhood was in Cheshire. I See Adders most years which I never saw in Cheshire so its not all bad.

Mick.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfact...iles/278.shtml

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There are nine subspecies of grass snake

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Not quite...
According to "The Snakes of Europe" (Kreiner, 2007.), there are 12 subspecies in Europe (based on info gathered by Kabisch, 1999.), and two more outside Europe (on Cyprus and from E Cilicia to N Syria), bringing the total number up to 14.

But the exact number of subspecies of Natrix natrix is a subject widely debated. Some accept this current situation, others think that the subspecies' are actually different forms (like the zig-zag, zebra and melanistic forms of the Adder).

I think a thorough study needs to be made in all of Europe and DNA samples (as well as morphological data) need to be collected, so that this situation can finally be resolved.

Are grass snakes becoming rarer?

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Yes they are.

and we have five compost heaps!

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If your compost heaps are "the way they like them" (big enough to have a constant humidity/temp. rating in at least one part, and that the rating is the one they need), I'd suggest you don't overturn the heaps during egg laying season and during the time it takes the young to develop.
Then, when the young do start emerging, you'll see plenty.

MlZad said:

Then, when the young do start emerging, you'll see plenty.

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Am not sure if that is a good thing or not! :eek!:

Very interesting information, thank you.

I noticed this afternoon that it has shed its skin.

Am not sure if that is a good thing or not!

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Don't worry, it's a very good thing.|=)|

I noticed this afternoon that it has shed its skin.

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That's a lovely shed!