Grass snake in Polissia
Natrix natrix
The grass snake is a long, slender snake with a dark grey or black back and two bright yellow or orange “crescents” on the sides of the head. The pupil is round and the head oval, not as clearly set off as an adder's.
The grass snake lives near water: on the shores of lakes, rivers and ponds, in bogs and floodplains. In Polissia it is very common, especially by the lakes of Shatsk National Park and on the Prypiat and Stokhid. It is often found near houses, in old heaps of straw and manure, where it lays its eggs.
The grass snake swims and dives well and hunts frogs and small fish. If grabbed, it hisses, releases a foul-smelling liquid or plays dead, rolling onto its back. The grass snake is not venomous and poses no threat to people.
Grass snakes are often killed because they are mistaken for adders. Do not do this: the grass snake is useful and not dangerous. The main differences are the yellow patches on the head and the round pupil.
When to see: April–September, near water
Where it was seen in Polissia
Observations from the open scientific database GBIF since 1990.
More in “Reptiles and amphibians”
European pond turtle
The only native freshwater turtle, living in the oxbows, ponds and bogs of Polissia.
Viviparous lizard
A small lizard of Polissia's bogs and damp forests that gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
European fire-bellied toad
A small toad of Polissia's ponds and bogs with a bright red-and-black belly; its soft “oom-oom” is heard in spring.
Great crested newt
A large newt of Polissia's ponds; in spring the male grows a tall, jagged crest.