Snakes can be found all over the country in various habitats. But did you know there is one species, native to the UK, that you might find while swimming?
There are three snake species native to the UK.
The Adder is the only venomous species, the Grass Snake is the longest, while the Smooth Snake is "incredibly scarce".
But which of the three native UK snake species can swim?
Britain's longest snake that can swim underwater
The Grass Snake is not only the longest in the UK, able to grow up to 150cm, but it can also swim underwater.
BBC Countryfile said: "Grass snakes are generally found close to water and can swim underwater to catch food."
Grass Snakes are recognisable by their "olive green" skin colour and "large eyes with round pupils".
Are Grass Snakes dangerous?
Grass Snakes are not dangerous to humans, with their bite being described as "painless" by BBC Countryfile.
The wildlife experts explain: "Grass snakes have small teeth and there are few records of them ever biting humans."
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Where to find snakes in the UK including the venomous Adder and rare Smooth Snake
- How to tell the difference between adders, grass snakes and smooth snakes?
- The UK's only venomous snake that is described as 'very shy' but 'dangerous'
Where to find Grass Snakes in the UK
Grass Snakes are commonly found across most of mainland England and Wales, with a small number situated in southwest Scotland.
BBC Countryfile added: "The grass snake prefers wetlands where it hunts frogs, newts, fish and small mammals, sometimes swimming underwater to catch its prey.
"It is the UK’s most common and adaptable snake and is often found in gardens, particularly compost heaps."
Have you ever come across a grass snake in the UK? Let us know in the comments below.
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