FAQs about snakes: eating frogs/fish

Grass snakes do not eat large meals very often (Barry Kemp)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... snakes:

A snake is eating my frogs / fish, what can be done?

Grass snakes often hunt in water and will prey on amphibians and fish. It's highly unlikely the snake will have a significant impact on these populations as they do not eat large meals very often.

Unfortunately there is not a lot that can be done to protect amphibians from their various predators; frogs in particular play an important part in the food chain and it's best not to interfere.

If you choose to protect your fish by covering the pond with a net, make sure it has a very small mesh size as otherwise the snakes and other wildlife may become entangled and could die; grass snakes, like all UK reptiles, are protected by law against killing and injury.

Seeing a grass snake in your garden is the ultimate reflection of a happy, healthy wildlife garden. Encounters are often fleeting so cherish it while it lasts, you many never see one again.

It is important to report your sightings to help build up local and national records of these declining species. Get in touch with the local Biological Records Centre and you local Amphibian and Reptile Group (ARG) if you have seen grass snakes in your garden.

More information:

Identifying reptiles. >>>

Dragons in your Garden. >>>

Find my Local Records Centre. >>>

Find my local ARG. >>>

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