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Distribution:
The Smooth Snake is generally confined to the South of England.
Habitat:
They prefer dry sunny places such as open woodland embankments and heathland.
Behaviour:
They will hunt during the day but prefer to lie under rocks and stones or sunbathing on bright days. They are slow moving creatures, often freezing if approached, relying on their camouflage for cover. Like Grass Snakes they can emit a foul smelling liquid from their anal glands if handled.
Reproduction:
They start to breed in April/May and the male will grip the females neck or head in his jaws while their lower bodies entwine during copulation. The female gives birth to 6-15 young, which develop inside an egg membrane within her body. They are born in the egg sac, which they immediately rupture with their heads after birth. The young are active following birth.
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They will hunt during the day but prefer to lie under rocks and stones or sunbathing on bright days. They are slow moving creatures, often freezing if approached, relying on their camouflage for cover. Like Grass Snakes they can emit a foul smelling liquid from their anal glands if handled.
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