In this country, three native snake species exist: the Adder, the Grass snake, and the Smooth snake. All three are safeguarded by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it unlawful to harm, capture, or injure them through any means.
In East Sussex, only the Adder and Grass snake are present. However, Slow Worms are also found in the area, often confused for snakes despite being a legless lizard.
The Adder is the sole venomous wild snake in England. It is crucial to confirm the identification before handling any snake. Deciphering colours and markings can be tricky and may result in misidentification, so it is advisable to take a photo with your mobile phone for assistance in identification. Only handle an Adder if you have experience dealing with venomous snakes.
Human fatalities in Great Britain are extremely rare. There have been 14 documented human deaths from adder bites since 1876, with the most recent occurring in 1975.
Grass snakes and slow worms do not possess venom.
Snakes often get entangled in garden netting or over ponds, leading them to coil and become more ensnared. If you find a snake caught in netting, avoid cutting it loose and releasing it immediately. Instead, it should be examined at a rescue or veterinary centre for injuries and possible ligature wounds that require monitoring for at least 24 hours.
It is common for grass snakes or young adders to be caught by cats and occasionally by dogs. If this happens, it is advisable to safely confine the snake and seek advice from a rescue organization.
If you suspect that your cat or dog has been bitten by an Adder, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Lots of individuals feel scared when they encounter snakes in their garden, often assuming it’s a first-time occurrence. Chances are that the snakes have always been around but just went unnoticed before.
It’s important to note that relocating snakes is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the Abandonment of Animals Act and Animal Welfare Act.
If you’re dealing with snake issues in your garden, reach out to your local amphibian and reptile group through Froglife. You can also find our more about them through your nearby Wildlife Trust or library.
Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Group
