Cranfield Posted October 16, 2006 Report Share Posted October 16, 2006 A grass snake was run over while crossing the road outside our cottage, sometime yesterday afternoon. I was fishing yesterday and it was almost dark when I came home, so I didn't see it then (No, I didn't run over it ). I moved it to the ditch across the road this morning and that snake was 37 inches long. Even allowing for the fact it was squashed flat, that is a long grass snake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted October 16, 2006 Report Share Posted October 16, 2006 I think the grass snake is the largest british snake. I've seen several around that size swimming in my local canal when I've been fishing. Shame it got run over, they are quite useful creatures for mouse control Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry d Posted October 16, 2006 Report Share Posted October 16, 2006 How do you know it was a grass snake?? It could have been an exotic snake that has been living in the wild happily since it`s owner released it,just like those big cats. Retires to safe distance and dons tin hat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P03 Posted October 16, 2006 Report Share Posted October 16, 2006 How do you know it was a grass snake?? It could have been an exotic snake that has been living in the wild happily since it`s owner released it,just like those big cats. Retires to safe distance and dons tin hat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Master Posted October 16, 2006 Report Share Posted October 16, 2006 I'm sure Cranners knows what he saw/. FM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jonrms Posted October 16, 2006 Report Share Posted October 16, 2006 I'm sure Cranners knows what he saw/. FM are you sure??? after all he admits to being old... and who knows how his eye site is.... < expecting a slap for that one..... if he can catch me... lol... Kidding grandpa Cran.... lol!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highlander Posted October 16, 2006 Report Share Posted October 16, 2006 Sure it wasn't an anaconda Grass snakes are lengthy boogers. 3' is about right for an adult one. With global warming I'm surprised some nastier little nippers haven't survived being released into this country by stoopid pet owners etc. as you can bet your boots they have been! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted October 16, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2006 Thanks for all the ageist comments. It was definitely a grass snake, we see a fair number of them when walking round the Marsh, usually in the Spring, or when the sun warms up. They do tend to be smaller, about 24 inches, perhaps these are the youngsters. The strange thing is, that its very unusual to see them as roadkill. I use to fish some very old chalk pit lakes, up in the Medway valley and in the summer it was quite usual to see adders sunbathing on the chalky patches in the grass. You couldn't get near to them, as they would depart at great speed. I suspect thats why very few people get bitten by them, they keep out of the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pedro Posted October 16, 2006 Report Share Posted October 16, 2006 I caught a 12inch one about 5 years ago under an up-turned bath tub in Somerset. It wasn't too pleased to be caught and let loose the most noxious fluid I've ever smelt The only one's I've seen since then have been dead We do get a lot of slow worms up here though P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.