A common garden visitor and often found in and around ponds, the Grass Snake is Kent’s largest reptile.
It is easily recognisable as it has a bright yellow collar and can often reach a metre in length. Males and females can be difficult to tell apart but males have longer, more gently tapering tails. Unlike other reptiles in Kent, the Grass Snake is more often found in low lying, damp areas where pond density is at its highest.
The snake has a large home range and will often move several kilometres to feed, find a mate or egg laying site or to find somewhere to hibernate.
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Distribution in Kent
Other / Similar Species
Adder
Vipera berus
The Adder is Kent's only venomous snake though it is unlikely to bite unless handled. It is a species of great conservation concern and its habitat is being lost or managed unsympathetically.
Slow-worm
Anguis fragilis
Often mistaken for a snake, the Slow-worm is a legless lizard and totally harmless. They are secretive animals and rarely seen basking openly but are often found in compost heaps.
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