Grass snakes normally mate in April or May, so this month the females will be looking for suitable sites to lay their eggs.

The eggs take anything from six to ten weeks to hatch, depending on the temperature of their surroundings.  Garden compost heaps are a favoured nest site because of the higher temperatures at the centre of the heap.

There are three species of snake native to the UK; grass snakes, adders and smooth snakes.  The grass snake is easily recognised by the bright yellow and black collar markings.  Their grass snake can bite, but it isn't venomous.

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Related Pages

• Grass Snake Fact File
• Reptile Section
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