If someone asked you about the United Kingdom, you’d probably think of large cities, country roads and fields, and a temperate climate. You wouldn’t really think of snakes.
So, are there snakes in the UK? The answer is yes and there are a number of snakes native to the UK, some of which are more common than you might think!
In this article, we’ll take a look at the different snake species in the UK, whether any of these snakes are dangerous, and where exactly you’ll spot them.
Are there snakes in the UK?
Yes, there are snakes in the UK, and three species are endemic: the adder (Vipera berus), grass snake (Natrix helvetica), and smooth snake (Coronella austriaca). Each also has different physical characteristics, habitats, and behaviors that make them interesting to study and observe.
Adder
The adder is the best-known of the UK’s three snakes because it is the only venomous species of snake that occurs in the wild. But adders are actually shy creatures and will avoid people wherever they can. They are widespread throughout the UK, and in southern and central England, they are commonly found in heathlands, woodlands, and moorlands.
But how deadly are adder bites? Although the adder’s bite will be painful and needs medical attention, the chances of dying are slim. In an average year, there are just 100 adder bites reported in the UK. And since 1975, there has been no recorded death from an adder bite. While its venom is powerful, serious reactions are rare, especially in otherwise healthy adults. By far the most common bites occur when someone steps on or disturbs a snake.
The Grass Snake
Grass snakes are bigger than adders, but otherwise completely harmless to humans. You often see them by water, and they are strong swimmers: they feed mainly on prey such as frogs and newts. There is no venom here, either. Grass snakes have olive-green in colour with dark markings.
Look out for basking grass snakes in a marshy or damp place, which are very active in the warmer months. They are very interesting to watch, and I think most people can’t help but like them because they are so docile.
Smooth Snake
The rarest of the three native species, the smooth snake is concentrated in southern England, where it prefers sandy heath and is often secretive; as a result, it is quite hard to see. Smooth snakes are non-venomous, much smaller than the other two species, and feed largely on lizards and small mammals.
Are There Venomous Snakes in the UK?
Are there snakes in the UK that are venomous? Yes, the adder is the UK’s only venomous snake but even that’s only mildly dangerous to humans. Grass and smooth snakes pose zero risk. In fact, UK snakes, as a rule, are more scared of us than we are of them.
Where to find snakes in the UK
Are there snakes in the UK that you can spot in the wild? Yes, and here are some of the best places to see them:
- The New Forest, Hampshire – One of the best areas in which to see native snakes, in particular adder.
- The Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire – Known for sightings of adders and grass snakes.
- Epping Forest, Essex – A popular spot for grass snakes.
- Dorset Heathlands, Dorset – Home to all three native snakes of the UK: adder, grass snake and smooth snake.
- Surrey Heath, Surrey – Contains heathland areas where adders and grass snakes can be found.
- The Scottish Highlands, Scotland – Adders are commonly seen here.
- Cannock Chase, Staffordshire – Known for adder sightings.
- RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, Dorset – A habitat for all native species of UK snakes.
- The Peak District, Derbyshire – Particularly in heathland areas, adders are common.
- Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire – a large area of chalk grassland, where adders and grass snakes are in abundance.
Snake Bites in the UK: What You Need to Know
You might be surprised to learn that snake bites in the UK are extremely rare, and deaths from them are rarer still. One is far more likely to get stung by a wasp than bitten by a snake. If you are bitten by an adder, stay calm, keep the limb still, and get medical attention immediately, but don’t suck the venom out or try to use a tourniquet.
Are There Exotic Snakes in the UK?
Although the UK contains only three native species of snake, exotic snakes occur in private homes as pets. Non-native species have been known to escape and live in the wild, but it is super rare. The RSPCA sometimes has to deal with escaped exotic snakes, but these are soon recovered and returned to proper care.
How to Spot a Snake in the Wild
The best time to look for one is early morning or late afternoon in spring and summer. Snakes are cold-blooded and need to warm themselves in the sun. Always watch a snake from a distance, and never disturb it.
If you spot an exotic snake do not touch it and call the RSPCA.
Conclusion
So yes, Are there snakes in the UK? – but they are not as evil as you believed! From the timid adder to the graceful grass snake, these creatures are a vital part of keeping our ecosystems in balance.
They are not threatening and, though encounters are rare, knowing a little more about them should help demystify a few fears and myths.
Related Article: How long can a turtle hold its breath?
FAQs
Are there venomous snakes in the UK?
But yes, it’s venomous. The adder is our only venomous serpent and its bite is deadly, even if rarely so.
How common are snake sightings in the UK?
You’d be more likely to see snakes in rural areas, and only if they found a suitable place for you to spot them.
What should I do if I see a snake in my garden?
When you see a snake in your garden, the best thing is to leave it alone: snakes are generally very shy and will soon wander off by themselves.
Are there any efforts to reintroduce extinct snake species?
No, there are no plans to return any great lizard from the Pliocene to a UK landscape replete with sheep and cattle, but many native, endangered species such as the smooth snake are indeed the target of conservation measures.
How can I protect snakes in my local area?
To help serpents, you can build a garden suitable for wildlife, keep chemicals out of the environment, and support snake conservation.