Grass Snake

[Hevva]

Just having a 5 minute relax on the patio, I saw something flapping around on the edge of the pond. Thought it was a bird in trouble but when I got there, it was a grass snake, at least 3 ft., eating a frog and what I could see flapping was the frog's back legs. Now I know that I should be pleased to have one in my garden as I understand they are protected, but I don't think I can sit comfortably down there again doing a spot of weeding! I had seen one there before but it was very small and I didn't think much of it, but gosh how they grow! Does anyone else have one of these visitors? I know I should have got a photo of it but I don't think the camera would have been still long enough.

[Hevva]

Is there anyone who can help me with this? I have attached a photo (albeit a bit pathetic) of this snake but my problem is that I'm sure it is gradually eating all my fish which are all about 3" - 4" long. I had around 35-40 in the pond but I think I must be down to single figures now and they are extremely nervous. How can I catch it or do I have to wait until it has finished off all the frogs and fish before it moves on?

[Flower]

Hi Hevva, I'm afraid that they do eat fish,frogs,toads & newts and they are expert swimmers. You are right they are protected so you can't get rid of it. In the winter they hibernate under old leaves, hedgerows, old rabbit burrows, wall crevices. This one may be a local and hibernate nearby where it knows there is food. I think you'll just have to wait until October time when it'll look for somewhere to hibernate. Is it possible to remove your remaining fish so that it would move on somewhere else in search of food?

Not much help really, sorry

Karen

[Hevva]

Hi Karen, thanks for your help. I phoned the RSPCA yesterday in the vain hope that they might send 'a man with a van' round to collect it but because the snakes are so highly protected they are not allowed to touch it unless it is injured. Their recommendation is that we net the pond very tightly and cut off its food supply and it will wander off somewhere else. She said they will empty a pond if it is left without netting. My neighbour, with her Koi, is now not amused ! We had just put a wire round it to stop the heron so it looks like Fort Knox now. Just have to wait and see.

[Flower]

Hevva,

Well has it moved on yet, or is it still working it's way through your pond?

Karen

[Hevva]

All is quiet at the moment Karen - no sign of snake or fish! I think the snake probably only eats every few days and then hides and sleeps. I put a handful of fish food out this morning and it was still there this evening which isn't a good sign. I am really lucky in that I have a large garden with loads of wildlife - foxes, badgers, squirrels, rabbits and birds of all shapes and sizes but this snake is making me neurotic - I even turned the wellies upside down and shook them this morning, just in case!!!