Hey there! If you’ve ever wondered, “Are there snakes in the UK?”, you’re not alone.
Many people think snakes only live in hot, tropical countries — but surprise! We actually do have snakes here in Britain. They may not be slithering through your garden every day, but they’re definitely part of our ecosystem.
In this post, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about snakes in the UK — what species we have, where they live, how common they are, and which ones (yes, there is one!) are venomous.
By the end of this article, you’ll know the answers to questions like:
- What snakes are in the UK?
- How many snakes are in the UK?
- Are there water snakes or black snakes here?
- Should I be worried about snake bites in the UK?
Let’s dive right in — but don’t worry, no snakes will jump out at you from this page!
Are There Snakes in the UK?
Yes — absolutely!
The UK is home to three native snake species and a few non-native ones that have popped up in the wild over time.
Our climate isn’t tropical, but it’s mild enough to support reptiles, especially in the southern and western parts of England where it’s warmer and sunnier. Snakes love basking in the sun, and you’ll often find them near grassy banks, heathlands, woodlands, and even sand dunes.
The native snakes in the UK are:
- Adder (Vipera berus) – the only venomous snake in the UK.
- Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica) – completely harmless and often found near water.
- Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) – rare and secretive, found mainly in southern heathlands.
So yes — snakes are here. They’ve been here for thousands of years, quietly living their lives while we go about ours.
What Snakes Are in the UK?
Let’s meet them one by one — the three native species that call Britain home.
1. The Adder (Vipera berus)
The adder is Britain’s only venomous snake, and it’s probably the one you’ve heard about the most.
Adders are short and stocky, usually between 50–60 cm long. They have a distinct zigzag pattern running down their back and a V-shaped mark on their head.
They can be grey, brown, or even black, depending on the individual. Interestingly, the all-black ones are sometimes mistaken for “black snakes in the UK,” though they’re actually just melanistic adders.
Adders prefer open countryside — heathlands, meadows, and forest edges. You might spot one basking on a warm rock or along a woodland path in early spring when they come out of hibernation.
Despite their scary reputation, adders are shy and avoid people. They’ll only bite if stepped on or provoked.
2. The Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica)
If you’ve seen a snake swimming in a pond or slithering through a wet meadow, it was probably a grass snake.
These are the largest native snakes in the UK, growing up to 1.5 metres long.
They’re olive-green or brownish with black markings and a distinct yellow collar behind the head — that’s how you can tell it’s a grass snake.
Grass snakes love damp environments — think ponds, rivers, marshes, and gardens with water features. They’re expert swimmers and feed mainly on frogs, toads, and fish.
They’re completely harmless to humans and actually beneficial — if you have frogs in your garden, you might attract one (so maybe don’t if you’re squeamish!).
3. The Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca)
The smooth snake is the rarest of the three, and many people in the UK will never see one in their lifetime.
It lives only in specific heathland habitats in Dorset, Hampshire, and Surrey, though conservation efforts have introduced them to other areas too.
Smooth snakes are slender, greyish-brown, and about 60–70 cm long. Unlike adders, they have smooth scales (hence the name) and no venom at all.
They’re constrictors — meaning they kill small prey like lizards and rodents by wrapping around them rather than biting with venom.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one, consider yourself part of a very small club!
Non-Native and Escaped Snakes in the UK
Besides the native trio, a few non-native snakes occasionally show up in the wild — usually because someone’s pet escaped or was released.
Examples include:
- Aesculapian snake – found in a few areas like North Wales and London (Regent’s Park).
- King snakes, corn snakes, and pythons – sometimes spotted when exotic pets get loose.
These snakes don’t usually survive long winters, but in a few warm urban spots, small populations have managed to persist. Don’t worry though — they’re harmless to humans.
How Many Snakes Are in the UK?
Now, if you’re asking “how many snakes in the UK” in terms of species, we have three native species and a handful of introduced ones.
But if you mean how many individual snakes — that’s a harder number to pin down.
Estimates suggest there are hundreds of thousands of snakes across Britain, mostly grass snakes and adders. Smooth snakes, being rare, only number in the low thousands.
You’re far more likely to walk past one without ever seeing it — they’re excellent at staying hidden and blend into their environment beautifully.
Where Do Snakes Live in the UK?
Snakes need warmth, so they prefer the southern half of England — places like Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, and Cornwall.
You’ll find them in:
- Heathlands and moorlands
- Forest edges
- Sand dunes
- Grasslands
- Riverbanks and wetlands
Scotland and northern England also have adders, but grass snakes and smooth snakes are much rarer up there due to cooler temperatures.
Water Snakes in the UK – Are They Real?
If you’ve ever spotted a snake swimming in a pond, you might have thought, “Is that a water snake?”
Technically, we don’t have a species called “water snake” in the UK — but the grass snake plays that role. It loves water and is often seen gliding across the surface in search of frogs.
They’re strong swimmers and can stay underwater for several minutes.
So yes, we do have water-loving snakes — just not a species officially called “water snake.”
Black Snakes in the UK – Myth or Reality?
Many people in rural Britain have stories of seeing black snakes — long, dark, mysterious reptiles crossing the path.
These are usually melanistic adders, which means they have an unusually high amount of dark pigment, making them appear completely black.
Melanism is common in colder climates since darker colors absorb heat better — so black adders have an advantage in Britain’s chilly weather.
There are no true “black snake” species native to the UK, but these black adders fit the description perfectly.
How Common Are Snakes in the UK?
Let’s be honest — snakes in the UK aren’t as common as hedgehogs or foxes.
They’re secretive and prefer to avoid human areas.
However, in the right places (like heathlands on a sunny spring morning), you might spot one basking.
- Grass snakes are the most widespread and adaptable.
- Adders are declining due to habitat loss — but still found in rural spots.
- Smooth snakes are strictly localised.
Overall, snake populations are declining in many parts of the UK, which is why they’re protected by law.
Snake Protection Laws in the UK
All native snakes in the UK are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
It’s illegal to kill, injure, or sell them — even to disturb their habitats.
So, if you ever come across one while hiking, it’s best to admire it from a distance and let it go about its business. They play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling pests like mice and voles.
Snake Bites in the UK – Should You Worry?
Here’s the truth: snake bites in the UK are extremely rare.
Each year, there are around 100 adder bites reported nationwide — mostly to people who accidentally step on one or try to handle it.
Out of those, serious cases are very uncommon, and deaths are almost unheard of. The last fatal snakebite from a wild adder in the UK was more than 40 years ago.
Symptoms of an adder bite include swelling, pain, nausea, and dizziness, but with proper treatment (antivenom and hospital care), people recover quickly.
So yes — we have venomous snakes in the UK, but the risk is incredibly low.
Venomous Snakes in the UK
Let’s talk about the word “venomous.”
The only venomous snake native to the UK is the adder (Vipera berus).
Its venom is mild compared to other vipers around the world. For most adults, a bite isn’t life-threatening, but it’s still a medical emergency. Children, pets, and people with allergies can be more at risk.
Fun fact: even though adders are venomous, they use their venom mainly to hunt small prey like mice and lizards — not for defence. They’ll always choose escape over confrontation.
Here is a real image of snakes and venomous snakes in the UK with a person and she is observing a snake :
Above Image context : Real moment of snakes and venomous snakes being observed by a lady.
What to Do If You See a Snake
If you come across a snake in the UK, here’s what you should do:
- Stay calm. Don’t scream or jump around — it’s probably more scared of you.
- Keep your distance. Step back slowly and give it space to move away.
- Don’t try to catch it. Even harmless snakes can bite defensively.
- Take a photo (if safe). Great for reporting sightings to local wildlife groups.
Most snakes will slither away within seconds. Remember, they’re wild animals — not out to get you.
What to Do If You Find a Snake in Your Garden
Seeing a snake in your garden can be surprising, but it’s usually nothing to worry about.
If it’s a grass snake, consider yourself lucky — it means you have a healthy garden environment with frogs and insects.
To live peacefully with garden snakes:
- Avoid using chemical pesticides.
- Keep compost heaps (they love laying eggs there).
- Provide shaded hiding spots.
If you’re unsure what kind of snake it is, take a picture and contact your local wildlife trust for identification.
When Do Snakes Come Out in the UK?
Snakes are cold-blooded reptiles, so they rely on the sun to regulate their body temperature.
They usually hibernate through winter (from October to March) and emerge in spring when the weather warms up.
You’re most likely to see them from April to September, especially during warm mornings.
During heatwaves, they may hide under vegetation to avoid overheating.
Why Snakes Are Important to the UK Ecosystem
Snakes may not be everyone’s favorite creature, but they play a vital role in keeping nature balanced.
- They control rodent populations, preventing damage to crops.
- They serve as prey for birds like buzzards and herons.
- They’re indicators of healthy ecosystems — where snakes thrive, biodiversity usually flourishes.
So protecting snakes means protecting the natural world around us.
💬 Myths and Misconceptions About Snakes in the UK
Let’s bust a few myths you might’ve heard:
Myth 1: All snakes in the UK are dangerous.
❌ False. Only the adder has venom, and it rarely causes serious harm.
Myth 2: Snakes chase people.
❌ Nope! They just want to get away and hide.
Myth 3: Black snakes are a new invasive species.
❌ Wrong again. They’re just black-coloured adders.
Myth 4: Killing snakes protects people.
❌ Illegal and unnecessary — snakes actually help control pests.
Snake Conservation in the UK
Sadly, UK snake numbers are declining. Habitat loss, road deaths, and human fear have all taken their toll.
Conservation groups like ARC (Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust) are working hard to restore heathlands, protect breeding sites, and educate the public.
You can help too:
- Support local conservation charities.
- Report snake sightings to wildlife trusts.
- Spread awareness — especially to stop fear and misinformation.
Final Thoughts: Living Alongside Britain’s Snakes
So, next time someone asks, “Is there snakes in the UK?” or “What snakes are in the UK?” — you’ll know exactly what to say.
Yes, we have snakes — three native species to be exact. One’s venomous but shy, another loves water, and the third is so rare most people never see it.
They’re not monsters or pests; they’re just another fascinating part of Britain’s natural world.
If we respect their space, snakes and humans can coexist perfectly. After all, they’ve been here long before us — quietly keeping balance in nature.
So maybe next time you’re out walking on a sunny heath, keep your eyes open — you might just glimpse one of the UK’s most misunderstood creatures basking in the sun.