Reptile
Grass Snake
Natrix helveticaAlso known as Barred Grass Snake, Swiss Grass Snake, European Grass Snake
Barred grass snakes are agile, semi-aquatic reptiles recognizable by the bold vertical dark bars along their flanks and a pale collar behind the head. They spend much of their time foraging around ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams where amphibians are plentiful. When confronted, they frequently feign death by rolling onto their backs with open mouth and tongue outstretched, releasing a pungent musk to deter predators.
Semi-AquaticHarmlessReptile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCommon Toad, Common Frog, Smooth Newt
Predators
- Grey Heron
- Red Fox
- Domestic Cat
ThreatsHabitat destruction, drainage of wetlands, road traffic, and persecution
HabitatsWetlands, marshes, pond margins, damp woodlands, and garden compost heaps
Life span15–25 years
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- SpeciesNatrix helvetica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans, though it may emit a foul-smelling musk if handled.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Scan sunny edges of ponds, compost piles, and south-facing banks during spring mornings.
- Handling: Do not catch or restrain individuals, as they readily spray a persistent, foul musk when stressed.
- Garden Habitat: Leave undisturbed piles of leaves, grass clippings, or compost to provide egg-laying sites.
Prey Tythatguy1312 / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Ferran Pestaña, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) carnifex, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by carnifex · cc-by
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