³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Grass snakes are present in most of Wales, but their numbers are declining.

Disappearance of their natural habitat and changes in the ways the countryside is being farmed and managed, is having a detrimental effect on their survival.

As well as being the hardest to spot, grass snakes are also the largest British terrestrial reptile, with females reaching up to 1.8 metres long.

They are grey-green in colour with a yellow and black collar round the neck and black markings down the side.

Grass snakes have round pupils, unlike adders, the only other snake found in Wales, which have vertical pupils.

This non-venomous reptile is a gardener's friend, keeping down numbers of vermin and slugs. If you really lucky you might find one visits your garden pond to feed and a favourite spot for them to live is in nearby compost heaps.

Grass snakes are eaten by foxes, crows, magpies, birds of prey, pheasants and even domestic cats so have a hard time surviving.

As a warning to these hungry creatures, grass snakes will lash out with their mouth closed and some will even feign death to avoid being eaten.