Best time to see: mid Mar to mid Oct
Key facts
Harmless snake often seen in gardens and damp places; yellow collar with a black border is distinctive
Habitat: well-vegetated areas in reach of fresh water, including suburban gardens
Widespread across nearly all of Europe, but numbers are declining in many areas; legally protected
Recognition
Usually olive-green or grey, with darker blotches and a yellow collar with a black border; adults usually about 80cm, occasionally up to 200cm
Largely diurnal but very elusive; swim well; may hiss and strike when disturbed but rarely bite
Eat frogs and toads, occasionally small mammals and nestlings
Lifecycle
Lay leathery eggs in rotting vegetation such as garden compost heaps; several batches from June to Sept
Young emerge from the eggs in September and look for a winter refuge
Stay underground in semi-torpor for 5–6 months over winter
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© Pat Allen
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© Ken King