Size:
The European Grass Snake usually grows to about three feet (180 centimeters)
in length. Females are larger than males and may grow up to five feet long.
Color:
The European Grass Snake is usually an olive brown color. Variations of
brown and green exist, as do black pigmentations. Many have black spots on their
sides and back, and a yellow or white collar rings the neck of these snakes. Some
have yellow rings around the black spots.
Diet:
European Grass Snakes eat a variety of amphibians, fish, lizards, and even
small mammals.
The European
Grass Snake is somewhat plain, but has a beautiful color
pattern. They do make a great pet, but it is best to
obtain a captive bred snake since its numbers in the
wild are very low and must be preserved. Despite its
land-oriented name, the European Grass Snake is a very
good swimmer. They can often be found in low vegetation
near fresh water. They can also be found in forested
areas and grasslands in addition to wetlands. The European
Grass Snake is often seen basking on cool sunny days
in open areas. These snakes will rarely bite and are
not venomous, but they will give off a rather disgusting
odor when disturbed. They may also hiss when scared.
It will draw itself up in a fierce imitation of a cobra
and spit in an attempt to scare of the predator. If
the European Grass Snake is extremely frightened, it
will go into a dramatic enactment of death, flipping
over onto its back and flopping its tongue out of its
mouth. Because of its collar rings on its neck, the
European Grass Snake is sometimes called Collared or
Ringed Snakes.
