Browning Posted April 22, 2004 Report Share Posted April 22, 2004 I've just got back from our lunchtime walk with my GSP. While walking back along the towpath of the canal he pointed a clump of grass (so I thought). It was one of the most intense points he's ever done. When I got up to him I noticed a snake in the grass, partly curled up. The snake slipped into the canal and then swam across to the other side and dissapeared into the undergrowth. It was approx 24" long, and about 1" diameter at its widest, mid brown in colour and very white patches at each side just behind its head. Anyone any idea what type it was ? Cheers, Browning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remytherussell Posted April 22, 2004 Report Share Posted April 22, 2004 More than likely a grass snake. They can be brownish and do have the marks at the back of the head. Doubt its an adder as they have zig-zag markings. Was it sunny as they do "sunbathe" to keep up body temperature. Glad you did not kill it. Quite harmless things. (Do a quick Google image search) RTR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted April 22, 2004 Report Share Posted April 22, 2004 My money is on a grass snake, as well. They can grow very long and take to water very quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dead-eye-dick Posted April 22, 2004 Report Share Posted April 22, 2004 Grass snake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dead-eye-dick Posted April 22, 2004 Report Share Posted April 22, 2004 Gosh, three posts at the same time.......Guess you can be fairly sure it MAY be a grass snake Very nice on toast... :thumbs: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PUMPACTION Posted April 22, 2004 Report Share Posted April 22, 2004 --King Cobra-- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted April 22, 2004 Report Share Posted April 22, 2004 Grass snake is only resident snake which will enter water in search of tadpoles and frogs no doubt, at this time of year. Canal must have been pretty warm though as being a reptile they need plenty of sun to keep the body temperature up or they get very sluggish and are in danger of becoming predated by herons, otters, mink, and other bankside dwellers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browning Posted April 22, 2004 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2004 Thanks for your help gents. After a search for "grass snake image" on google I found some pics that confirmed your posts. I guess we must have disturbed its sunbathing and my heavy footfall made it take to water to escape. Thanks again, Browning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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