🇺🇸 The grass snake (Natrix natrix) is a non-venomous, semi-aquatic snake native to much of Europe and parts of western Asia. It can reach lengths of 70 to 120 centimeters, with some females growing even larger. Grass snakes are typically olive-green to grayish in color, with a distinctive yellow or white collar behind the head — the feature that gives them their name. They are excellent swimmers and are often seen near ponds, lakes, and wetlands, where they hunt frogs, toads, and small fish. Though harmless to humans, grass snakes may hiss loudly or feign death when threatened. They hibernate during the cold months, reappearing in spring to bask in the sun and mate.

🇩🇪 Die Ringelnatter (Natrix natrix) ist eine ungiftige, halbwasserdliebende Schlange, die in weiten Teilen Europas und Westasiens vorkommt. Sie wird meist 70 bis 120 Zentimeter lang, wobei Weibchen oft größer werden als Männchen. Ihr typisches Merkmal ist das gelblich-weiße Nackenband, das sich deutlich vom olivgrünen bis grauen Körper abhebt und ihr den Namen gibt. Ringelnattern sind ausgezeichnete Schwimmer und leben bevorzugt in der Nähe von Teichen, Seen und Feuchtgebieten, wo sie Frösche, Kröten und kleine Fische jagen. Für Menschen ist sie völlig harmlos – bei Gefahr zischt sie laut oder stellt sich tot, um Feinde zu täuschen. In der kalten Jahreszeit hält sie Winterruhe und erscheint im Frühjahr wieder an sonnigen Uferstellen.

📍Baden Württemberg

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ISO 640
Aperture: F/7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/1600

Comments and Story reshares are much appreciated 🤍

#grasssnake #ringelnatter #nature #wildlife #wildlifephotography #reptilesofeurope #naturschutz #naturelovers #canon #canoneosr7 #geoleserfoto #wildlife_perfection #herpetology #reptilephotography #shotoncanon #europeanwildlife #animalportrait
I saw a snake…

… well, it’s old skin that is.

#Nature #NaturePhotography
#GrassSnake #Snakes #SnakeSunday
During today’s waddle in local woods I was happy to see the grass snakes at their usual spot.

#Nature #Wildlife #NaturePhotography #Snakes #GrassSnake

Reptiles delay opening of new Welsh-medium school in Bridgend until 2027

The opening of a new campus for Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr in Brackla, Bridgend has been delayed by two years after protected reptiles were discovered on the development site.

The Welsh-medium primary school was due to move to a larger location this September, but Bridgend County Borough Council has now confirmed the new opening date will be September 2027. The delay is due to the presence of reptiles, which has stalled completion of essential ecology work.

While the council has not confirmed which species are involved, the site is likely home to one or more of the UK’s native reptiles, including slow-worms, grass snakes, adders, or common lizards. These species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and must be safely relocated before construction can proceed.

“The relocation of the reptiles is expected to take place over the summer,” said a council spokesperson. “Further site investigation works will follow once the remaining scrub and brambles are cleared.”

Political reaction and temporary expansion

The delay has drawn criticism from South Wales West Senedd member Altaf Hussain, who called it “devastating news for parents in Bridgend who wish for their children to learn through the medium of Welsh.”

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle described the delay as “regrettable” but confirmed that the Welsh Government has provided £500,000 in funding to allow for temporary expansion at the current site. Two modular classrooms will be installed this September to accommodate additional pupils.

The new school is expected to cost £18.6 million, with capacity for 525 pupils aged 4–11 and a 90-place nursery. Planning and architectural work is ongoing, and the council says it remains committed to delivering the project.

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#adder #adders #Brackla #Bridgend #BridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #ecology #Environment #grassSnake #lizards #newSchool #reptiles #YsgolGymraegBroOgwr

And because you can’t, for some reason, attach a video to a post with stills #grasssnake #reptile #wildlife #cambridgeshire
Another surprise encounter with a grass snake. Probably the hot dry spell encouraging it out? First time I’ve managed to get a clear shot of the whole body because for some minutes it stayed still as we observed each other. #reptile #grasssnake #cambridgeshire #wildlife
Le chasseur de serpent - Les photo sont prises de loin mais la scène était presque incroyable : à l'instant même où il a atterri ce héron pourpré a attrapé une couleuvre qui a combattu un moment et fini par manger. Il a ensuite traversé rapidement l'espèce de chenal où il se trouvait pour attraper... une seconde couleuvre... 30 secondes après avoir avalé la première !

(Héron pourpré et couleuvre à collier, Loir-et-cher, 05/25)

#PhotographieOiseaux #Oiseaux #ObservationOiseaux #Ornithologie #OiseauxAquatiques #Echassier #Ardeidaes #Ardeidés #Heron #HeronPourpré #Reptile #Serpent #Couleuvre #CouleuvreÀCollier #Etang #BirdsOfPixelfed #BirdsOfMastodon #BirdsOfFediverse #Birds #BirdWatching #Birding #BirdPhotography #Ornithology #WaterBirds #Waders #Heron #PurpleHeron #Snake #GrassSnake #Pond #Sologne
High alert around the pond. Two #robins are taking on a big #GrassSnake.
Minutes later, when the snake has disappeared among the stones and flowers around the workshop, a little fluff ball comes out of the yew hedge nearby.
The snake shouldn't have been too hungy though as it had a big frog minutes before...
#gardening #wildlife

Entspannen in der Morgensonne
Relaxing in the morning sun

#snake #nature #naturephotography #reptiles #Ringelnatter #grasssnake