dead grass snake

reptilegirl · #1 (**permalink**) 24-04-2009, 03:02 PM

I saw a big grass snake yesterday and today sneeked up to try and take a photo. It was in the same spot but was off like a shot. on looking further I saw a smaller one about a foot long and was pleased to see it keep still while I took a photo but when it didn't move I discovered it was dead. It didn't seem to have any injuries so what could have caused this. I have found dead adders nearby in the past but have blamed buzzards for their deaths. This is in a wild spot in North Cornwall not near any roads or pesticides.

debbiethomson · #2 (**permalink**) 26-04-2009, 05:33 PM

I know captive snakes can die of bruising, they will often show no external signs because the scales disguise any marks. The stomach may have been obstructed or spilt which will mean the snake cannot feed. Did the adders have any visible injurys?

Ross

reptilegirl · #3 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 02:04 PM

Hi Debbie,
The adders did have injuries. One was headless but a buzzard was perching nearby, then again it may have been a cat. I wondered if the grass snake had starved. We have a big pond where I have seen then in the past but only toads no frogs.

james bennet · #4 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 07:23 PM

Hi there,

Most grass snakes will take toads too. They also feign death very convincingly, but usually only after you handle them so it does sound as if this one was dead. Grass snakes have lots of potential predators but the lack of any injuries is a puzzler. My only other suggestion would be that this is the time of year when male grass snakes battle it out for females so perhaps this was all a bit much for him? I guess they are also as susceptible to internal parasites as any other animal?