Smooth Snake: The rarest and smallest snake in the UK

There are three snake species native to the UK:
The Adder is the only venomous species in the UK, the Grass Snake is the longest and can swim underwater, while the Smooth Snake claims the title of the rarest.
Smooth Snakes are the least widespread across the UK, according to the RSPCA, localised to "isolated pockets" in the south of England, mainly found in heath habitats.
Not only is it the rarest of all UK snake species, but it is also the smallest, only growing to around 55cm in length.
The RSPCA added: "They're typically a greyish brown in colour, have a dark stripe down the side of their face, a heart-shaped pattern on their head and a pattern of spots and bars along their back!"
Smooth Snakes are also the smallest in the UK, only growing up to 55cm in length. (Image: Getty Images)
Smooth Snakes are "shy and incredibly scarce", according to the RSPB.
The wildlife experts continued: "They're heathland specialists, but their habitats were historically repurposed at scale for commercial forestry and development."
Smooth Snakes can now only be found in isolated pockets of:
They are highly dependent on nature reserves and managed sites, including RSPB Arne.
RECOMMENDED READING:
The UK's only venomous snake that is described as 'very shy' but 'dangerous'
Smooth Snakes are not identified as dangerous.
The adder is the only venomous snake species you will find in the UK.

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