Was this an adder ?

[Lady Guinevere]

Hello,
I am new to this site it looked so interesting I felt I had to join. I was surfing the net looking for some info about Adders as I believe I have one living under my garden shed. Today I was sitting in my garden when I heard some screeching (quite loud) when I looked I saw a long thin snake chasing a frog across my lawn towards my pond, the snake had its head held up as it slithered along cobra style! I went to get my camera but unfortunately it disappeared, I saw it again about 15 minutes later with its head poking out from under my shed and another frog was hopping for its life toward the pond. Is this likely to be an Adder or could it be a grass snake? I am afraid that so far I have no description as I couldn't get near enough in time, but I will keep trying and maybe get a picture. I live in the Maldon area of Essex and my house backs on to farmland.

[catalaze]

It sounds like a Grass Snake to me - and welcome, by the way! Two reasons: Grass Snakes just love frogs and they also take to water and you mention a pond. I associate Adders much more with dry open areas. How very nice! I wish I had either in my garden.

[Lady Guinevere]

Hello! Thanks for the reply I did see a grass snake in my pond last year so you are probably correct! I am quite pleased as I would not be keen to have an Adder in my garden as I have children in and out and a cat. I was amazed at how loud the frog screamed its the second time I've heard one squeal I didn't realise before that that they were able to make any other noise but a croak. I love my pond it gives me so much pleasure, but it needs quite a lot of work in return!