Can it be a Smooth Snake?

Professor · #1 (**permalink**) 19-03-2008, 08:42 PM

I am 99% certain that I have seen a Smooth Snake today. I disturbed some soil with a small mini digger and it was sleeping tied up in several figure of eight knots. Brown colour and looks just like the BBC pictures. I moved it to a better position and got some horse manure and put carefully over it as it is a cold day. I have grass snakes and slow worms around and it is not one of those. I live near Sevenoaks, Kent and have a suitable large garden for wild life and some woodland and fields adjacent. What do you think? Or is it not possible in Kent.

fairplay · #2 (**permalink**) 19-03-2008, 10:18 PM

Hello, I'm a newcomer to WAB and surprised you have had no reply. I live in Suffolk and live near to heathland -the smooth snakes natural habitat- but we do not have smooth snakes here. They are restricted to the heaths around Dorset as far as I know so I doubt very much your find is one.

If your convinced it is definitely not a grass snake (bet it is !) then it must be an escaped or released (illegal - to release that is) pet, and will struggle to survive in our climate, that's apart from finding food.

Without disturbing it too much, try to take a photo of head markings, or do a sketch and inform your local wildlife trust or as a last resort, Environmental Health at the District Council offices.

P.S. I'm computer dumb, so until I know what they mean, no icons here. It's a bit like innocently going in a gay pub with a coloured handkerchief.....!!

marvin · #3 (**permalink**) 19-03-2008, 10:38 PM

smooth snakes in kent

let these guys know. they should be able to help.

Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group - About KRAG

tim

Deer Stalker · #4 (**permalink**) 19-03-2008, 11:41 PM

Hi Professor, welcome to WAB

Its unlikely, as Fairplay says, Smooth Snakes are only found on heathland in Hampshire, Dorset & a couple of heaths in Surrey and West Sussex.

Best bet is to take a pic.

Dan Salter · #5 (**permalink**) 19-03-2008, 11:55 PM

have you ruled out a slow worm which are really "smooth" ?

demicav · #6 (**permalink**) 20-03-2008, 06:34 AM

Interesting, shame there is no picture to look at. Would be an excellent find if it was a Smooth snake.

Wild-Woman · #7 (**permalink**) 20-03-2008, 07:10 AM

From NBN Gateway, Godalming area in Surrey has the closest recording. Never say impossible though-it would be great if a new area for Smooth snakes was found.

PS -Yellowhammer is a reptile/amphibian man so consult him if he's online today.

Professor · #8 (**permalink**) 20-03-2008, 10:00 AM

Thanks for all your help so far. I wanted to avoid disturbing him/her again as its pretty cold but I shall carefully take a photo. Watch this space!

Wozza · #9 (**permalink**) 04-05-2008, 04:15 PM

Any luck with photos Professor? This is particularly interesting for me as I also live in Kent.

LAF · #10 (**permalink**) 04-04-2009, 12:28 AM

I would say it absolutely COULD be a smooth snake. I found this thread deliberately Googling for Sevenoaks and smooth snakes. You're not in the recorded range, but you are on a known habitat belt, and the satelite view of your area looks good. Did you ever get a positive ID or feedback from KRAG?