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Snakes in
Hadleigh Country Park Back
to Wildlife
There are two species of
snake in the park, the adder and grass snake. Adders are protected by
law and are not allowed to be harmed, moved or interfered with in any
way. If you come across one leave it alone and it will leave you be.
Adder,
Vipera berus
Grass Snake, Natrix natrix
Note: Slow worms are not
snakes and can be found in the Lizard section.
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Adder,
Vipera berus
Description:
Adders have distinctive V mark on the back of their heads and
a dark zigzag pattern along their length. Males grow to approximately
60cm in length.
Rarity:
Adders are common in the UK.
Where to Look:
Most often found basking on bare ground next to cover along the
edge of footpaths. |
Life
Cycle: Adders live for up to 10 years. The females only
reproduce every two years and the litter will usually consist
of about 15 young, although 20 is possible.
Prey:
Carnivorous - Adders eat small mammals, lizards and amphibians.
They only need to eat once a week on a decent meal.
Predators:
Adders have some predators, including kestrels, magpies and crows.
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Grass
snake, Natrix natrix
Description:
Grass snakes have a yellow or white ring around their neck and
dark marks along thier flanks, but are otherwise plain in colour
ranging from greens to browns.
Rarity:
Grass snakes are common in the UK.
Where to Look:
Most often seen in vegetation around the edges of ponds. |
Life
Cycle: Grass snakes live for up to nine years. Females
can lay around 40 eggs of which roughly 70% will hatch. Female
grass snakes actively seek out a warm place, such as a compost
heap, to lay their eggs.
Prey:
Carnivorous - Mainly eats amphibians such as frogs.
Predators:
Grass snakes are taken by birds, hedgehogs and badgers among others.
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