Grass snakes in the pond

Despite the attentions of my cat and the local heron, our grass snake colony in the garden pond thrives.  I have seen 5 separate snakes simultaneously ambushing tadpoles on the edge of the water.  They live in the rocks around the pool and grab the tadpoles at their ease.  Most are very small - about 8 inches long and there is one larger one at around 18 inches.  The cat brings them into the house sometimes and I put them back in the pond - seems to work OK.

  • Hi Chris

    Welcome to the RSPB Forum. Enjoy yourself here

    So many Chris's now LOL

    I am pleased to hear that your Grass snakes are doing well and so many in one place too.  Lots of Tagpoles is a Grass snakes takeaway yummy.

    The one and only time we have ever seen a Grass Snake was on one of our walks around Castle Sluice, Bedford and this one was only a tiddler of 4 inches in length.  It was quick to escape and it slithered between the boards on the pathway and that was the last we saw of the snake.

    So they are special and unique.

    I see a photo has been posted so what a beauty!!!!  What a size!!!

    Regards

    Kathy and Dave

    Unknown said:

    Despite the attentions of my cat and the local heron, our grass snake colony in the garden pond thrives.  I have seen 5 separate snakes simultaneously ambushing tadpoles on the edge of the water.  They live in the rocks around the pool and grab the tadpoles at their ease.  Most are very small - about 8 inches long and there is one larger one at around 18 inches.  The cat brings them into the house sometimes and I put them back in the pond - seems to work OK.

  • OMG I would die if I saw a snake in the garden, I know its irrational but I'm terrified of them.
    Great photo your neighbour took

    Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain.
    ~ Mark Twain