September 22, 2025, 1:07 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Encountering a snake in Germany often causes initial alarm, and the grass snake is frequently mistaken for being dangerous. It is the most common snake in Germany and has lived in close proximity to humans for centuries. It was even considered a good luck charm in the past. PETBOK editor and biologist Saskia Schneider explains why the grass snake (Natrix natrix) is not only completely harmless but also an exciting and important creature in our native environment.
How to Identify the Grass Snake
The grass snake is relatively easy to identify: The most distinctive features are two bright, usually yellowish to white crescent-shaped spots on the back of its head—hence its name. Its body is gray to olive green on top with dark spots, and the underside is lighter. Adult snakes reach lengths between 80 and 120 centimeters, with females growing up to 150 centimeters. Also typical are the round pupils and large scales on the head.1
Are Grass Snakes Venomous?
No—the grass snake is non-venomous. While it does have glands that can secrete a mild substance, this is only significant for its prey, such as amphibians. It is completely harmless to humans and pets. Unlike “true” venomous snakes, the grass snake has no fangs and does not kill its prey with toxins, but swallows it alive or subdues larger animals by constriction.
Are Grass Snakes Dangerous?
Again, the answer is clear: no. Grass snakes are shy and will quickly flee when disturbed. Only when they feel cornered do they attempt to intimidate with threat displays such as hissing, puffing up, or mock attacks. Some even play dead—with an open mouth and protruding tongue. They pose no threat to humans.2
What Do Grass Snakes Eat?
The grass snake’s diet consists mainly of amphibians: frogs, toads, newts, and tadpoles are among its favorite prey. But it also eats small fish, lizards, mice, or snails. Juveniles initially feed on smaller prey such as earthworms or tadpoles. Grass snakes find their prey by constantly flicking their tongues—a way to “taste” smells.3
Where Do Grass Snakes Live?
Grass snakes are closely tied to bodies of water, as their main food source lives there. The Latin name Natrix natrix means water snake and is fitting. If the grass snake had a hobby, it would be swimming and diving. The animals prefer wetlands, ponds, lakes, rivers, or swamps and can also be found in natural gardens or along railway embankments, as long as water is nearby. There, they seek sunny spots to warm up and sheltered hiding places for the night or winter. Their winter quarters are usually in compost heaps, burrows, or tree stumps.4
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What Should I Do if I Find a Grass Snake?
The most important thing: stay calm and keep your distance. The grass snake is not aggressive and will flee on its own as soon as it has the chance. If you encounter one, do not block its path; simply take a few steps back. Under no circumstances should you touch, capture, or kill the animals—this is not only unnecessary but also legally prohibited.5
Are Grass Snakes Endangered?
Although the grass snake is still quite common in Germany, it is now on the watch list of endangered species. In some regions, such as Baden-Württemberg, it is even considered endangered. The main reasons are habitat loss—wetlands are being drained, bodies of water are being developed, and landscapes are being fragmented. Additionally, there are traffic accidents and, unfortunately, killings by people who mistakenly believe the snake is venomous.
It is already protected: Under the Federal Nature Conservation Act, it may not be captured, injured, or killed. Its eggs and habitats are also protected. Measures such as the restoration of wetlands or the creation of egg-laying sites in natural gardens can help the grass snake.
About the Author
Dr. Saskia Schneider is a biologist with a doctorate. During her studies at the Free University of Berlin, she focused primarily on zoology and animal behavior.