Grass snake on our compost heap.

[Jim Ford]

A grass snake has taken up residence on our compost heap. We had them a couple of years back, but none recently. The heap is inactive and no longer generating heat, so I'm not sure why it's attracted to it.

I took this shot just as it realised I was there. A second or so it was away.



Jim

[Kayleigh]

Wow Jim,
I bet they have been there all along but you didn't see them.
I wish we had some.

[dillbarn]

Hi
I also have Grass Snakes in my garden. I have a rather large pond though and they are feasting on the many Frogs that are there. Saw one today with it's jaw wide open swallowing a frog. Gone by the time I had the camera though. Just wondered if anyone knew how often they fed and at what time of day. Always seem to be gone by lunchtime as far as I can tell. Also how many are likely to live in one small habitat. Even if for a short time as long as the frog population holds?. I have counted what seems to be 4 or 5 also confirmed by several different sized shedded skins. Thanks

[werdnal]

We had a grass snake in our lounge once. Lovely sunny day, front door wide open and sitting watching TV with my son who was about 2 at the time. Heard a strange noise, and found my cat staring at something under my son's heavy wooden toy chest. Got a torch and to my surprise, discovered the snake under the box. I couldn't lift the box on my own, and hubby was at work, so rang my brother who lives about 6 miles away, and he came straight over. He brought a netting bag with him, and between us we managed to lift the toy box and shepherd the snake into the bag, before safely releasing it outside. Never know why it came in, whether our cat chased it, or if it came in the open door on its own. It was a beautiful snake, about 2 feet long, and I'd love to see one again. I did post the photo on the Gallery here but have tried to find it without success.

[Mark_b]

There was some research published years ago that stated an adult grass snake consumes around 8 toads a year (in that particular population). I see that as a minimum number really and that study was only picking up large prey.

As long as it is warm they will hunt throughout the day (and night in some cases).

Grass snakes are very wide ranging animals, they wouldn't be restricted to say just your garden. Daily movements of 120 meters are not unsual, but 55 m is normal (apparently). In one study an adult female had a home range of 120 hectares (1 hectare is a little bit bigger than a football pitch). Females tend to have larger home ranges as they have more habitat requirements than males. Not only needing basking areas, feeding grounds and a place to hibernate but an egg laying site as well. It depends how close all these features were, if you had all of them in your garden and a big enough amphibian population they would hardly have to move!

The number of grass snakes visiting your little patch really could vary, numerous to say the least hehe.

[dillbarn]

Finally managed to get a picture. Not a pretty sight though!

[Jim Ford]

We've got a bantam that's currently laying. We haven't seen the snake for a day or so (but it's been cold). I'm going to put an egg on the heap to see if the snake takes it, if it comes back!

Jim

[Ladywell]

Originally Posted by dillbarn

Finally managed to get a picture. Not a pretty sight though!

Wow - what a brilliant sighting!! Wish we had grass snakes here!

[Jim Ford]

Managed to get close enough to shows my reflection in its eye. Click on larger image. You can see my reflection silhouetted against the sky!



Jim

[rogpow]

Great shot, Jim.

Very envious, haven't seen a grass snake for many years ( and certainly not in my garden.

Rog