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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- How to tell the difference between adders, grass snakes and smooth snakes?
- Where to find snakes in the UK including the venomous Adder and rare Smooth Snake
- The 'adaptable' snake that is the UK's longest and can swim underwater
-
The UK's only venomous snake that is described as 'very shy' but 'dangerous'
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.
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