Aesculapian Snake
Identification: Large, slender snake. Length up to 200 cm, usually 120-140 cm. The rather narrow head is poorly defined from the body. Eyes yellowish brown to yellowish grey with round pupils. Back scales smooth and shiny; belly scales are weekly keeled on each side. Back uniform yellowish, olive or greyish- to blackish brown. The front part is usually lighter than the rest of the body. Often small white spots on the edges of the scales. Usually a dark stripe on the side of the head with a yellow patch behind it. Belly white or yellow. Males larger and more robust than females. Young animals have dark spots on the back and two yellow blotches on the neck and can therefore be confused with juvenile Grass Snakes. However, they differ in having a well-defined dark stripe from the eye backwards along the sides of the head, which is not present in grass snakes, and in lacking dark edges to most upper lip scales, which are conspicuous in grass snakes.
Range: In Europe, present from the north of Spain, through large parts of mid-Europe, eastwards up to Asia Minor. A colony of unknown origin occurs in the British Isles in and around the grounds of the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, and has existed there for 30-40 years. Numbers are unknown, but the colony is likely to contain at least several dozen individuals. Reproduction appears to occur regularly, as specimens of all size classes can be found, but at present, there is no indication that the species has spread beyond the immediate vicinity of the Zoo.
Habitat: Prefers open wooded areas. Can be found in wood edges, shrubby vegetation, overgrown ruins and stony banks. In north of range, found in favourable localities like sheltered, south-facing slopes and river valleys. In the south, also found in more damp situations. Occurs mainly in lowlands and on hills, but occurs locally up to altitudes of 1800 metres.
Habits: Diurnal, but can be active on hot evenings and in very hot periods even at night. Rather secretive. Breeds in May and June. The 5-12 eggs are laid in moist soil, in fermenting material like heaps of dead leaves, or in holes in rotting tree trunks, mostly in July. Very good climber, but lives mainly on the ground. Often flees upwards in trees and bushes when disturbed. Basks frequently, but retreats from excessive heat. Is not aggressive, but can bite when handled. Feeds mainly on small mammals and birds. Young frequently eat lizards as well. Hibernates in holes between or under stones or in old tree trunks.
How to find: On days that are not too hot, it can be found basking in sheltered places, sometimes on paths and tracks.