Snake? - What is this?

bjkempston · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 01:04 PM

I found a small snake like creature in my garden in Bedford. Unfortuately it was dead but in perfect condition. It was about 16cm long, grey with black markings on its back. I've posted a photo in the Unidentifed section of the Gallery under the title of "Small Snake?" and I shall try to attach the image here too. Has anyone any idea what this is? I can't identify it by any of the books that I have. Thanks to anyone who can help.
Bruce

Alan · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 01:13 PM

Hi Bruce, and welcome to WAB.

Looks like a Grass Snake to me......yellow patches on chin. Would be easier if a view of the back were seen though!

Alan

bjkempston · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 01:22 PM

Thanks Alan. It was a couple of weeks ago that I found it and took the photo so unfortunately I can't turn it over now. Still it's good that it's led me to find the WAB site. I shall be a frequent visitor/user in future.
Bruce

Tinkerbell · #4 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 02:14 PM

What an interesting find bj, I wouldn't have had a clue about it had I found one in my garden. Presumably a baby, and I wonder how old it might have been.

Tinker

cherrybee · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjkempston

Thanks Alan. It was a couple of weeks ago that I found it and took the photo so unfortunately I can't turn it over now. Still it's good that it's led me to find the WAB site. I shall be a frequent visitor/user in future.
Bruce

We look forward to your input so a very warm welcome to WAB

Gill Catton · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 03:38 PM

Definately a grass snake with that chequerboard pattern on the belly. Was it definately dead? They are very good at playing dead though admittedly they usually put in more theatrics than this one......

Dan Salter · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 04:56 PM

i was gonna say what gill did.....grass snake for sure but they do play dead ?...did you observe it for long? or did it stay there and rot?

bjkempston · #8 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 06:25 PM

Well.... It looked in good nick and was nice and floppy so I moved it onto some grass on some nearby allotments and hoped maybe it would survive away from the concrete and our cat - so who knows?
Bruce

Dan Salter · #9 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 06:38 PM

Good man.....or woman?
Grrrr.....why doesnt WAB have a sexing guide next to peoples online name? ok some are easy...Dan ....Alan..wildWOMAN etc....but others i never know what sex im talking to? just a thought but most other forums have a male or fem icon and stuff?...