Grass snake

The Grass snake is widespread in Europe (excluding the northernmost parts), Northwest Africa and West Asia (east to Baikal and Northwestern Mongolia, south to Southwestern Iran). In Bulgaria the species is widespread throughout the country up to 1 200-1 400 m above sea level, with the exception of up to 2 000-2 100 m above sea level. (in Belasitsa and Sredna Stara Sq.). The territory of the country is a zone of overlap of the two subspecies – up to 300 m above sea level predominates N. n. persa, and above this height N. n. natrix is more common.

The Grass snake reaches a total length of up to 140 cm in Bulgaria. The dorsal side of the body is grey, grey-green or brown, with or without darker spots. The side of the head has two light spots (most often yellow, less often with an orange tinge or white). The abdomen has alternating white and black spots, and in the back of the body the dark spots often merge. Young individuals do not differ in color from adults. In the subspecies N. n. natrix the back is without light longitudinal stripes, and in N. n. persa – with two light longitudinal stripes. The species inhabits wetlands with fresh or slightly salty water (swamps, lakes, dams and micro-dams, rivers, streams, wet meadows, wet ravines, floodplain forests). Prefers overgrown ponds. Natrix natrix is a daily active species. It feeds mainly on water frogs and less often on fish. It hunts both in the water and on land. The snake consumes its victims alive. In case of danger, runs into the water. Copulation is from late April to early June. Lays from May to July from 5 to 35 (exceptionally up to 105) eggs with dimensions from 10×20 to 15×25 mm. High humidity is required for incubation of eggs. With a limited number of suitable places for laying, dozens of females can lay in the same place (clusters of up to 4 000 eggs have been found). The young hatch from late July to early September and are 11-14 cm long. Wintering sites are sometimes up to 2 km away from summer habitats. When caught, the Grass water snake rarely bites, but throws secretions with an unpleasant odor.

Unknown.

The Grass snake is a protected species included in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species with category Least Concern (LC).

*Note: For the description of amphibians and reptiles is used information from: Golemanski, V. & al. (eds). 2015. Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. Vol. 2. Animals. BAS & MoEW, Sofia [English ed.: ISBN 978-954-9746-22-8 (IBER – BAS), 978-954-8497-18-3 (MoEW)]; Biserkov, V. (Editor), 2007. A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Bulgaria. Sofia, Green Balkans, 196 pp.; the website of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).