Yet another snake skin query

[AdrianH]

We are lucky to have a garden that is inhabited by frogs,toads, and a huge population of Slow Worms but today I found this sitting in the weed patch where I dump the excess grass cuttings ( which the Slow Worms love).

Is this a grass snake skin? It is around 22 inches long and not complete and I always thought Slow Worms shed in patches so complete skins would be rare.

[Dogghound]

Yes Grass snake.

[AdrianH]

Thank you Nice to know we have had another wild visitor then and all the more reason to let the garden do it's own thing ( not that the neighbours are pleased ), it is a long time since I saw a Grass Snake.

We see lots of Adders and Smooth Snakes when walking in Wareham Forest but Grass Snakes seem harder to spot.

[AndrewA123]

Originally Posted by AdrianH

We see lots of Adders and Smooth Snakes when walking in Wareham Forest but Grass Snakes seem harder to spot.

Grass snakes are quite "Flighty" as I've found, you need to spot them before it gets too warm. I've read several "experts" claiming the reason for their swiftness to get out of the way in comparison to Adders as being down to having no venom. They're therefore more vulnerable to predators.

Whether true or not, they're certainly quick!!

[gardenexplorer]

your very lucky although my ponds/garden is inhabited by lots of toads newts and frogs, i havent found any slow worms or snakes! i still have my hope high and am still searching for them

[AdrianH]

Originally Posted by gardenexplorer

your very lucky although my ponds/garden is inhabited by lots of toads newts and frogs, i havent found any slow worms or snakes! i still have my hope high and am still searching for them

Gardens in my area have plenty of slow worms, they are definitely not rare here.
Cutting the lawn or trimming the edges has to be done with a great deal of care or I end up mowing slow worms too.

The weed patch where I dump the excess cuttings is slow worm city move any cuttings and the heap comes alive, they must be doing very well as some of them are quite a size.

[gardenexplorer]

There not rare here i just csnt find them! thanks i will look in the grass 'heap'