Rat Snakes in UK

[RobinP]

Are Rat Snakes (Aesculapian Snake ( Elaphe longissima ) ) only found in Wales? Has anyone seen one and/or taken a photo?

[galanthus]

I thought we only had 3 species of snake in the uk and that in Wales we have mostly grass snakes and adders

[Tiggrx]

Originally Posted by RobinP

Are Rat Snakes (Aesculapian Snake ( Elaphe longissima ) ) only found in Wales? Has anyone seen one and/or taken a photo?

There is an established colony at Colwyn Bay, and also another in London

[demicav]

Our three native species are Grass snake, Adder and Smooth snake.

[Wozza]

Obviously Rat snakes aren't native - I believe Robin is talking about zoo escapees and the like, which have managed to survive and breed. I've heard of the case in North Wales, but the London one is news to me, got any info?

[nightshade]

As stated there are colonies in the UK they are often mistaken for Grass Snakes I believe there is already an older post on the subject which may have more information

[RobinP]

I've only read about the localised colony in Wales, nowhere else. At least they are not perceived as a serious threat to our native wildlife.

[mrs fish]

Are they poisoness (sp) and what do they eat ?

[wildliferescuer]

Rat snakes are not poisonous, they are constrictors & would eat small mammals such as mice & voles.

[mrs fish]

I wondered if they ate rats, if so they could come in handy