Some interesting facts:
* The snake gets its name from Aesculapius, the Greek God of Medicine. Aesculapius was reputed to be able to change himself into the harmless rat snake.
* To this day this Southern European snake still lives in isolated areas in Europe where Aesculapius Temples are believed to have previously existed. However, there is existing evidence to show that they were found in Britain and Scandinavia before the last Ice Age.
* The snakes grows up to 6 ft long, feeds on rats and are very shy.
* The Welsh Mountain Zoo where they are found is unique in the fact that it does not have a rat population - coincidence?
* Larger specimens spend much of their time amongst the higher branches of trees.
So, if it's first thing on a spring morning when there is dull sunshine, why not try walking slowly along the canal downwind of the sunnier spots on the bank or in trees.
Tread lightly and keep your eyes open and your camera ready.
:-D
