The sight of them makes the adrenaline level shoot up. If a snake appears in the garden, the first shock is great. This is understandable but unnecessary. Native snakes are mostly completely harmless. This guide explains which snake species it is, using important identification features. Our tips tell you how to behave properly in an encounter.

Although the adder native to Germany is poisonous, it is by no means deadly

Recognize common snakes - identification features at a glance

If there is an encounter between humans and snakes in the garden, it is usually the grass snake. Four other snake species are native to Germany, two of which are poisonous snakes. The following overview provides you with outstanding identification features:

  • Grass snake: non-venomous, 75-150 cm long, greenish or brownish. Natrix natrix has 2 yellow crescent spots on the nape, but not its own species Natrix helvetica (barred grass snake)
  • Dice snake: non-venomous, 75-110 cm long, grey-brown to ocher with dice markings on the back
  • Smooth Snake: non-venomous, 60-80 cm long, grey-brown in colour, dark band between mouth and eye
  • Adder: poisonous, 60-80 cm long, gray, brown, black, yellow or green, zigzag pattern on the back
  • Aesculapian snake: non-venomous, 100-200 cm long, yellow-brown to grey-black, pattern of white spots on the back

The domestic slow worm is neither blind nor a snake. In fact, it is a species of lizard whose legs have completely regressed in the course of evolution. The shy animal is non-venomous, 30 to 40 cm long, grey, grey-brown or brown in colour. Since the slow worm has snails and other pests on its menu, it can be considered a beneficial insect without hesitation.

Adder bites are not fatal

Although the adder is poisonous, it is by no means aggressive. Rather, she always seeks her salvation in flight. Only when the snake is cornered or touched does it defend itself and bite. This is painful, but usually not life-threatening. Under certain circumstances, it could be dangerous for small children and the elderly, as well as for shock reactions (e.g. allergic shock). Nevertheless, consult a doctor immediately, as a resulting infection in combination with the poison can be dangerous to your health.

Snakes are under nature protection - this is how you behave properly

All native snakes are threatened with extinction and are therefore subject to species protection. It is forbidden to disturb, hunt or even kill the animals. When encountering each other, remain calm and give the snake an escape route that it will definitely use. Even a firm step on the ground triggers the flight instinct.

If you cannot get along with a snake in the garden at all, please contact the public order office and not the fire brigade. Here you can be referred to experts who will professionally relocate an unwanted snake.

tips

Aren't you keen on grass snakes or dice snakes in your garden? Then simply create a heather garden. The dry, sandy conditions do not appeal to the two semi-aquatic snakes. Only when you integrate a garden pond into the design plan could the native species of snakes still appear.

Category:

Animals in the garden