Grass snake

Reaching nearly two metres, grass snakes are the UK's largest and our only to lay eggs. A grass snake's speed and wariness makes it incredibly difficult to spot, but once cornered it is one of the few animals that as a defence against . If this ploy fails, a foul-smelling substance from the anus and repeated head strikes are employed to aid the escape. Grass snakes are active themselves of . Even , small and aren't safe - those are grabbed and swallowed whole. Common and widespread in , grass snakes are usually to be found near water where there is plenty of shelter and warm morning sunshine for basking in. They during the cooler winter months.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Grass_Snake

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