Latest news with #SmoothSnakes
Glasgow Times
19-05-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Smooth Snake: The rarest and smallest snake in the UK
There are three snake species native to the UK: Adder Grass Snake Smooth Snake 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. Native wild animals in the UK The rarest snake in the UK 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) Where to find smooth snakes in the UK 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: Dorset Devon Hampshire Surrey West Sussex They are highly dependent on nature reserves and managed sites, including RSPB Arne. RECOMMENDED READING: Are Smooth Snakes dangerous? Smooth Snakes are not identified as dangerous. The adder is the only venomous snake species you will find in the UK.
Powys County Times
19-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Smooth Snake: The rarest and smallest snake in the UK
Snakes can be found all over the country in various habitats. But there is one species native to the UK whose numbers are "incredibly scarce", making it the rarest of them all. There are three snake species native to the UK: Adder Grass Snake Smooth Snake 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. Native wild animals in the UK The rarest snake in the UK 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!" Where to find smooth snakes in the UK 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: Dorset Devon Hampshire Surrey West Sussex They are highly dependent on nature reserves and managed sites, including RSPB Arne. Are Smooth Snakes dangerous? Smooth Snakes are not identified as dangerous.
Rhyl Journal
18-05-2025
- Science
- Rhyl Journal
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.
South Wales Guardian
18-05-2025
- Science
- South Wales Guardian
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.
South Wales Guardian
09-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Where to find Adders, Smooth and Grass Snakes in the UK
There are three species native to the UK: You may be wondering whether you are likely to stumble across one in your local area, or perhaps while you're away on holiday (within the UK). To help you out, the RSPB has rounded up the locations where the UK's native snake species can be found. Adders are the only venomous snake species in the UK and are recognisable due to their "distinctive" zig-zag pattern and "striking" red eyes. Adders are the only venomous snakes native to the UK. (Image: Getty Images) The RSPB added: "Its venom is mainly used for subduing its prey and bites to humans are uncommon but do be sure to keep a respectful distance! "If you accidentally disturb this timid beauty and get bitten, you will need to seek medical treatment." They can grow up to between 60cm to 80cm in length. While Adders usually keep a low profile, they can be found across the UK, even as far north as mainland Scotland, according to the RSPB. The wildlife charity added: "The best way to spot one is by scouting out south facing areas in early to mid-spring and scanning for a basking snake. "At this time of year, they'll soak up as much sun as possible, after emerging from a long winter hibernation." Grass Snakes usually have an "olive green colour, with large eyes and round pupils" and can grow up to a metre in length, making them the largest in the UK. Grass Snakes are the largest species in the UK. (Image: Getty Images) These native snakes are commonly found across much of mainland England and Wales, with a small number situated in southwest Scotland. Smooth Snakes are the smallest species in the UK, only growing to around 55cm in length. Smooth Snakes are "shy and incredibly scarce". (Image: Getty Images) The RSPCA said: "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 "shy and incredibly scarce", the RSPB added. The wildlife experts continued: "They're heathland specialists, but their habitats were historically repurposed at scale for commercial forestry and development." RECOMMENDED READING: How to tell the difference between adders, grass snakes and smooth snakes? See the top 4 locations in England with the most snakes Snake species not seen in UK for 300k years returns after 'accidental release' Smooth Snakes can now only be found in isolated pockets of: They are highly dependent on nature reserves and managed sites, including RSPB Arne. Have you ever spotted a snake in the wild? Let us know in our poll above or the comments section below.
