Wow, This video is amazing, and you have inspired me. I have a few snakes myself and im beginning to breed python regius (royals pythons) but, living in england i have always heard my dad's stories of these grass snakes he's found and have always wanted to find one myself. I live in Lincolnshire near the humber bridge so i doubt i could find one. But do you have any tips to find any native reptiles? thanks! I love your videos =]
I was going to ask the same thing. I'm a reptile guy from the states and I did not know of any snake species in england. It makes me wont to come back to do some herping! I was in london and whittley bay in the sommer of 2001.
@MrRedeyedJedi ssssssorry if i offended you next time i come acrossssss a grasss ssssnake i will video my sssself killing it and i will sssssend you a video hope thissssss helpsssss
@Warrior7885 Thank you for your comments. Yes, they are completely harmless in that they have no venom but they will ocassioanlly strike and bite. However more often they strike and keep their mouth closed...which is very thoughtful of them! They are wonderful snakes and in fact, this specimen was the most irrate I've ever handled...just so happened to be on camera. There is a more placid one in my other video.
Hey ben have you ever caught or seen a western whip snake? They can be found all over southern and western Europe, especially in france, spain itlay and croatia. In my opinion I think that they and the grass snake are the most beautiful snake found in Europe. I caught one once. Must of been well over 5 1/2 feet.
I've heard it stated that Grass Snakes have a very small amount of toxicity in their saliva but can't confirm this and they're certainly not dangerous to humans. In over 30 years of handling them I've only ever been bitten by one Grass Snake and it left a tooth behind in my hand, so when they do bite they do it good. As a footnote, although they mainly feed on amphibians, I once read an account of one once eating bumble bees. Make of that what you will.
@djsbehavingbadly Fascinating information. I am not aware that there is any venom, perhaps in the saliva, but of course, we'd have to leave it for the scientists, however, if they can find venom in komodo Dragons after half a century of research, it must be slightly easier to prove in Grass Snakes!
Hi Ben, I've enjoyed watching your videos. Your passion is clearly demonstrated in these well filmed and well narrated short films. I'm a member of the Kent Reptile & Amphibian Group and I share your passion for photographing these beautiful creatures. Please check out my photographs here: jasonsteelwildlifephotography.yolasite.com
@20111jay 'djsbehavingbadly' is right in his comments regarding grass snakes. Although Grass Snakes are termed non-venomous they do possess Duvernoy glands in their upper jaws that produce a very mild venom. Despite Grass Snakes possessing no fangs and this venom only being weak and found in the snake's saliva it does serve a purpose. The main diet of the Grass Snake is amphibians which when caught in the mouth of the snake will absorb this venom through their skin.
great video ben were is live i have saw the rare grass snake there is a marshy area buy me in birmingham called sutton park but you rarley find snakes there
@TomatoKetchup5724 Yes i live in birmingham and there is a place called sutton park it is 16 miles long and the warden says there is protected wildlife here these include foxes,and snakes i have also seen a grass snake by my house
I know a place where i seen grass snakes before last year but i cant find any this year there whats the best time of year to find them its been sunny recently but none at all.
I don't live in Britain but Denmark, but still I quite interested in Grass snakes. I've found that they are most easy to be tracked in the morning or midday, aprox. about 9 - 10 until 12 -13'ish, while they are warmning themselves in the sunlight. Otherwise they are also likely to be seen swimming in the water at late afternoon. So a bright and warm sunny day around midday should to the trick. Good luck to you!
I found a Grass snake in my back Garden and it was dead but don't know were it came from. I have a small pond but it has no newts or froGs in it, I also have a compost heap do you have any ideas
It wasn't by any chance caught up in garden netting, possibly around your pond? That causes alot of grass snake deaths. Otherwise it may have been killed by a fox, badger, bird of prey or a cat and left there? Thanks for the story :)
omg, i live down in the south, in dorset it is loaded with snakes, i find all sorts in my gardan, mostly grass snakes, some slow worm(if they count) and i'm not to sure but i think i have caught a glimps of a few adders. but you cant go down to the end of my gardan and not catch a glimps of a snake. i also have a pet corn snake :D i love snakes :D
Haha, surely there is no chance of confusing me with Mr. Irwin! But thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the videos and I'll take your comments as a compliment indeed! Your Adder story was great, thankyou and keep up the reptile hunting :)
thankyou, in my first comment i replied to bittermassacre i wasnt being rude to you lol!
then the second i posted it and it said internet explorer cant display webpage so i didnt think it went on, but it did, sorry for the double post steve
Well done for encouraging the idiots in Britain to "try this at home",
There was no need to tail that snake and this certainly isn't a great place to publicise your antics where careless people can watch and go "hunting" for themselves.
idiot, it is an encouragemeant to all herpetologists in britain, what is wrong with it, there is nothing entirely harmful, and dont say the adder, they will never bite, well done though you are a good hater as they usually spell things wrong
Erm, I didn't spell anything incorrectly, unlike you, I think you'll find it's encouragemENT. I never said there was anything all that harmless in the UK. &It isn't a good kind of encouragement. I stand by the fact a GRASS SNAKE does NOT need to be tailed. END.
Hi Ben, great vids. Very engaging. I have posted this video to The NatureWatch Showcase. Hope you dont mind. Best wishes and keep up the nice work. Paul
heyy i go herping in the reserve by my house in essex so far i have recorded 7 grass snakes and 4 adders in mersea island but i have never seen a smooth snake has anyone seen one because there rare
Thankyou very much :) Unfortunatly both Adders and Grass snakes are decreasing in numbers across the UK. They are both still fairly widespread and local populations contain fairly high numbers, but altogether, they are declining due to habitat loss and declining prey species. Cheers,
Hey, thanks alot. I was in south Buckinghamshire. There are a few reserves around here that are a safe haven for grass snakes, adders and lizards, really little gems :) Cheers,
Sounds ideal mate. You want to check with your local conservation officer to see whether snakes have been recorded there or not, you can do this online, often through the wildlife trusts website. Most undisturbed wet/dry habitats that contain amphibians, will be able to support snakes. Good luck and let me know what you find :) thanks mate,
Heya mate, no I'm saying he is totally harmless. Adders are the only venomous snake in the UK but they too can largely be considered harmless to humans. They cause minor swelling and sometimes a flu-like cold. The only problem arises when they bite someone who suffers from anaphalactic shock - like a bee sting. Thanks mate,
Hey 8D I wondered if you maybe have some tips for catching grass snakes and adders? My teacher doesn't have any photos of them, so I'm trying to catch some for him, so he can photograph them ^^
Do these people not understant that even our legendary David Attenborough does not "Suddenly" spot a creature. An entire crew of people (ie bird or snake specialits etc) do the searching first, then they go in and do the serendipitous shoot. And do they really think that he does it all in one take - erm. Hopefully his camera crew dont step off the path when filming eh. Your multi edits show that you found the snake over a period of time passing. Nice informative vids. Good job!
Hey, thanks for the comment and the compliments. As I've said before, this location is famous for its large population of grass snakes and adders. They are found at almost every area of cover. This was filmed how it happened and I am infact making a clip to show how easy it is. If I kept all the footage as it was, it would make the clip too long for youtube, but there certainly was no planted snake here and there's about 15 seconds missing off the entire clip - its bang on the 100mb limit.
Hi Ben, really like your vids, im going to do a bit of outdoor herping myself i think(inspired), see what i come across. Dont listen to these idiots on here, if you r supposed to be harming and stressing snakes then what do they call what Steve Irwin did? Nobody said anything about him holding snakes by the tail or encouraging them to strike! They are just jelous losers mate. Keep up the great vids.
Heya Andy mate. Thanks for the comments, for watching and for the support. It means alot to me. I always put the safety of the animal before anything else and that grass snake was at no time in harms way. Thank you for realising that. Please have a go yourself, that would be brilliant! You should take a video camera with you if you can? Let me know how it goes please!!? Thanks again mate,
as the pro wild life presenters and experts say!! golden rule of wildlife is respect there habitat and their well being- in this video thats gone right out of the window!!!!
Thanks again for the comment, but please show me where the habitat isn't respected (I was clearly on a path) sorry if a broke a bramble thorn or two and secondly, please tell everyone where the well being of this beautiful and personal favourite animal is in jeopardy...thankyou. Thanks for watching, I'm not trying to be a wildlife presenter, I'm very happy at my day job and do this as a hobby, but thanks for asking! Cheers,
Lol, sorry mate, don't get all defensive when I have a brilliant area for grass snakes on my back door step and you don't yes I'm very lucky and I know that. Planted snake? That does make me laugh. I just made a vid with the camera running all the time showing how lovely and easy it was to find one, in about 30 secs if you know what environment you're looking for, 'buddy'. Thanks for watching tho.! Cheers,
Agreed handling of snake is wrong! , obviously staged as you dont come across adders like that! 3rdly- please stop trying to be a wild life presenter!! as they say "dont quit the day job"
Staged? Sorry if I do my research and know where to look after 25 years. How can you say that was staged?! And where's the adder in this video. Thanks for the comments mate but please have atleast a little clue about what you're talking about before posting on here, cheers,
do my research? u must do yours learn how to pick up a snake properly! ridiculous video! (meant grass snake) you telling me you made that video and so how came across a snake right there right then?????? LOL nice try buddy , like i said it would be a better vid if you didnt try and act like a wanabe wildlife presenter , and acted natural and didnt have a ready made placed snake!
this is rubbish. one of the worst videos i've seen in a long time. completely handling the snake wrongly, no concern for it's health and welbeing and complete incompetence. rubbish
Incompetence? Interesting. Thanks for the comment though mate. I am sure you are on the captive bred or herpo forums, check out my responses there. Thanks for watching,
I have seen Common lizards and lots of slow worms in the field where i live but have not seen a grass snake so far. The field had lots of leaf piles, compost bins, a frog filled pond and everything else a grass snake would want!!!
why don't you try just filming the animals in their natural habitat? This takes far more skill and would be much more interesting instead of stressing them out and causing them to waste loads of energy.
Thanks again mate. Ok, and sure I could go and do that, after all, one has to creep up on these animals before presenting them, but what's going to get people, especially youngsters more excited to watch, learn and then help conserve our snakes and other herps/wildlife. A picture of a snake going through the grass with no encounter or relative human aspect...or the above? I think alot of people would come down in favour of the latter and indeed I can prove it from my responses.Thanks again,
the substance really stinks doesnt it lol like rotting garlics and pond weed ive been round grass snakes quite a lot when i go to my uncles in misson springs they bask in dead braken patch i have even put some corrigated sheeting down which i stole of my uncles garage im hoping to attract some slow worms because i have never encounted one before i have seen everything else so seeing one would be good. were abouts do you go for your filming?
Snakes should not be held by the tip of the tall it can serious hurt them. Your just going to encourage loads of people to head out to the countryside and handle/hurt/stress out snakes.
Heya mate, I can assure you I did not even squeeze that snake. I love 'em and I would never harm anything. Wherever possible I supported hi head and took the weight of his tail, be it on the ground on on my hand. I wouldn't want people to go around breaking snake's tails but I'm not going to be a hypocrite. Thanks for your concern mate, really appreciated,
You really shouldn't lift a snake off the ground by the tip of its tail it can strain their muscles and damage vertebrae. Get a copy of the Herptofauna workers manual. You can buy it online from the natural history bookshop. This tells you how to correctly handle these animals (if you really have to do it). It also gives info on the law regarding British herps. Amphibians & reptiles by Beebee and Griffiths is also very good book.
Thanks mate :) I haven't been snaking in kent, but i know there are some good spots there. What you need to do is check the wildlife trusts website and go to the kent section. There should then be a list of nature reserves in the county and species lists too. That will get you started :) cheers,
Hampstead Heath Sent me a Thing which say what animals you can find on Hampstead Heath but it doesnt say all of them. You can also find Badgers, Moles, Slow-Worms And Common Lizard and More. Its just say some of them.
Heya mate, Grass snakes eat a variety of other animals. Mostly they will hunt and over-power amphibians (newts, frogs and toads in the UK) and fish. Where avaliable they will take lizards too and the young snakes (neonates) will hunt insects and other invertebrates. Hope that answers your question :) Cheers,
Next we saw a Little Mouse just walking and then we was walking to some pond which look good for Grass Snakes and we saw a Rabbit running inside some hole. Then we saw about 3 Rabbits just together in a bush it was so COOL, Look what Mammals you can still find in the City. Me and my friend are gonna look for more maybe Hedgehogs, Kingfishers, Slow-Worms And of course Grass Snake its was so COOL.
Hey thats fantastic mate! I love your enthusiasm, you should take a video camera next time you go?! Good luck with finding the other beasties on the list, but what a great start eh? You're right, its incredible how many cool animals live in and around the city. Nice 1 mate,
I just went went to Hampstead Heath with my friend Harry, and it was so cool. We where like saying to are selfs "We are gonna find some animals" We where looking around for ages, the first Mammal we saw was we think was a Muntjac inside rough big bushes it was cool we saw it for about 1 Sec and it started making some big noice and ran away.
Do you think Fallow Deer or Red Deer could make Hampstead Heath there home and like it. Hampstead Heath is 800 Acres so its obviously big Enough. Other London parks like Richmond Park, Bushy Park Or Greenwich Park have Deer. Richmond is about 2000 Acres, Bushy is about 1000 Acres But Greenwich have Red and Fallow Deer and its
183 Acres so do you think Hampstead Heath will be a good place.
I'm afraid I don't know much about the correct environments necessary to support a successful deer population, but from what you say, it seems sensible and ofcourse, as much wildlife as we can get into (or should I say back in to) our cities as possible is always a good thing. Good thinking mate, thanks for sharing it,
Maybe when all the Reptiles start to come out maybe you can do some videos on atleast one of these. Aesculapian Snake, Wall Lizard, Green Lizard, Smooth Snake Or Sand Lizard, or find a Grass Snake on Hampstead Heath Lol.
This time of year, can you find Grass Snakes, i went Hampstead Heath with my Cousin and haven't even saw a Grass Snake not even a Slow-Worm and we where looking for ages.
Yup, they are out and about, but not many yet. As its just snowed, it will prob be another week or so before they get really numerous (well, as numerous as a declining species can get) so yer, come on sun!! Cheers,
Do you know the really big bridge deep within the heath, theres a pond near it, around the pond theres alot of space then a fence, i found it there. I've also seen rabbits there.
Heya, no not really. They have been kept in captivity, but they require a very specialist diet (hence why they are becoming rarer in the wild too) consisting of different species of live amphibians native to this part of the world.
do u know how when and where to see slow worms because my dad said he keeps seeing them in the garden and he bets that I wont so I want to prove him wron, I won't catch it I just want to take picture.
My word yeah! They've got about 40 really sharp little teeth but they are not the most fast striking of snakes and sometimes they just lunge without opening their mouths, so its quite easy to avoid a bite if you've got half decent reflexes. Slow worms are sometimes quite common in gardens, which is fantastic. Look under flat pieces of stone or planks of wood etc on a warm morning (hopefully we'll get some of them soon!) and you should find them. Lemme know if you get some pics mate. Cheers,
Certainly is mate, long may it be that way! Its also illegal to handle the smooth snake natterjack toad and sand lizards without a liscence, which is good. Cheers mate,
This guy is clearly a professional. I love watching his documentary on the animals he finds, very good work keeping the crowed glued in and delivery the message to the viewers. Hopefully someone will notice and we can see him on the discovery channel =) Either way here or there, it's all good, keep it going on, good stuff.
Well, if you know any producers... =)thanks mate, really kind words, goes straight to my heart. I'm glad you like the docos. Hopefully more will be coming in the next couple of months. I just enjoy doing them and I love the animlas and if people like watching them, its a bonus. Cheers mate,
dude went out herping, I'll tell you the full story, anyway im gnna get some numbers for you to ring see if you can ge on t.v, all it takes it to go on spring watch and you will get ppl after you!
Hi there i enjoyed whatching your videos i think you shoud join the BBC wildlife and do your on program then you will be the next david antenbrou and what time did you get up to see the slow worm and grass snake
hi dude, just a quik update, i am going out on sunday and will hopeflly get some snake tongs, then in march, april may im gnna go snake hunting for the first time lol :P
alright matey, i was just wondering if ya know if there was any place in the northwest that i could see a grass snake as i have been in to snakes for years and adore the grass snake but have neva seen one in the wild, lake district maybe? any help would be appreciated, cheers
Heya mate, thatnks for the comment. Yup there are plenty of srass snakes throughout the lake district and surrounding nature reserves. In the south lakes, Hay Bridge Nature Reserve is a good place to see them. But really, any marshy habitat with perhaps woodland nearby, would be great if undisturbed and on a warm, sunny morning.
There are adders up around you too, again, the Lakes is a great place. Just get out for a few hours before 11am and you'll find one come march/april time :) happy hunting mate! Cheers,
Reply please i really really want to find one, and you can see how Hamstead Heath is just search on google, Wildweb Hamstead Heath or just search hamstead heath thanx
Heya mate. Yup Hampstead heath is a great place to find herps in the city. There are slow worms there as well as grass snakes. All you need to do is go out a few warm, sunny mornings in april/may onwards, and get an hour or so of searching in before 11am. Grass snakes can b found along the edges of the ponds and lake, basking in the early sun. If possible, get off the beaten track a bit. :) cheers
Hey, Benwaddams. I live North West London, and there a big park called Hamstead Heath like a nature reserve they, and it like country side and im a 12 year old kid intrested in british reptiles and at the front of the park it saids grass snakes can be found there i tried for along time but i never no where to find them i look it wet places there ponds there dont see alot i never see one and i really want to see one but i have never in my life can you give me some tips please
Heya mate, Great Stuff!! Sounds like you live in the best place ever! I'd love to see the pics, yes please. I love all the British Herps, but grass snakes have got to be in my top 10 snakes worldwide...very underrated! Cheers :)
Ah no, don't give up mate. You just need to know where to look. Maybe listen out for a renowned good spot and spend an hour or so everyday checking the sunny bits when it warms up a bit. You'll find one soon :) Cheers for the comment,
I always think your taking the piss when i watch the first 10 seconds of your videos lol
JoshuaMc7 3 months ago
Excellent field herping video. European reptiles and amphibians are very new to me, being a Californian. Great video.
zacharge13 4 months ago
Wow, This video is amazing, and you have inspired me. I have a few snakes myself and im beginning to breed python regius (royals pythons) but, living in england i have always heard my dad's stories of these grass snakes he's found and have always wanted to find one myself. I live in Lincolnshire near the humber bridge so i doubt i could find one. But do you have any tips to find any native reptiles? thanks! I love your videos =]
JoshIsInABox 7 months ago
i killed one of those snakes today with a stick
DINGSDEAN 8 months ago
@DINGSDEAN Why?
benwaddams 8 months ago
@benwaddams
I was going to ask the same thing. I'm a reptile guy from the states and I did not know of any snake species in england. It makes me wont to come back to do some herping! I was in london and whittley bay in the sommer of 2001.
pbrskater26 5 days ago
@DINGSDEAN Why? Grass snakes are harmless.
Elainiwen 5 months ago
@DINGSDEAN What an idiot. Who could harm such a wonderful snake. Thums up to this
snakes1000000 1 month ago
@snakes1000000 fuck off you sad cunt and learn how to spell thumps,
DINGSDEAN 1 month ago
@DINGSDEAN thumbs actually. Dum nut
snakes1000000 1 month ago
@snakes1000000 i wassss taking the pisssssss
DINGSDEAN 1 month ago
@DINGSDEAN I was typing quick
snakes1000000 1 month ago
@DINGSDEAN Nice one idiot. They're a protected species by law and indangered.. If im not mistaken what you just did was commit an illegal act.
MrRedeyedJedi 1 month ago
@MrRedeyedJedi ssssssorry if i offended you next time i come acrossssss a grasss ssssnake i will video my sssself killing it and i will sssssend you a video hope thissssss helpsssss
DINGSDEAN 1 month ago
@DINGSDEAN fuck you douche bag, take a hint from the countless other comments stating how idiotic that was.
MrRedeyedJedi 1 month ago
It's called piss
iiRyAnJ 8 months ago
you should try film a smooth snake on this . Would be great :) :) :)
snakes1000000 8 months ago
you should try film a smooth snake on this . Would be great :) :)
snakes1000000 8 months ago
WTF! We've got one of those around Britain! Fuck that! I'm moving to the North Pole!!
AmmanValleyFreakOuts 8 months ago
He looks a lot like the garter snakes we have here in the states. I love catching those things, they are so much fun to watch.
rockfilmers 9 months ago
You say there placid but nearly nearly every grass snake I've caught has clamped down hard on me,maybe i smell like a frog lol:-)
toxicmartoc 9 months ago
I'm surpised that it launched an attack...they don't do it normally but I think it's mouth wasn't even opened when it striked..good job man!
rareshmm3 9 months ago
natrix natrix
KvvLaD2011 9 months ago
@Warrior7885 Thank you for your comments. Yes, they are completely harmless in that they have no venom but they will ocassioanlly strike and bite. However more often they strike and keep their mouth closed...which is very thoughtful of them! They are wonderful snakes and in fact, this specimen was the most irrate I've ever handled...just so happened to be on camera. There is a more placid one in my other video.
Thank you for watching,
Ben
benwaddams 10 months ago
Hey ben have you ever caught or seen a western whip snake? They can be found all over southern and western Europe, especially in france, spain itlay and croatia. In my opinion I think that they and the grass snake are the most beautiful snake found in Europe. I caught one once. Must of been well over 5 1/2 feet.
robinswith1b 11 months ago
I've heard it stated that Grass Snakes have a very small amount of toxicity in their saliva but can't confirm this and they're certainly not dangerous to humans. In over 30 years of handling them I've only ever been bitten by one Grass Snake and it left a tooth behind in my hand, so when they do bite they do it good. As a footnote, although they mainly feed on amphibians, I once read an account of one once eating bumble bees. Make of that what you will.
djsbehavingbadly 11 months ago
@djsbehavingbadly Fascinating information. I am not aware that there is any venom, perhaps in the saliva, but of course, we'd have to leave it for the scientists, however, if they can find venom in komodo Dragons after half a century of research, it must be slightly easier to prove in Grass Snakes!
Ben
benwaddams 11 months ago
@benwaddams
Hi Ben, I've enjoyed watching your videos. Your passion is clearly demonstrated in these well filmed and well narrated short films. I'm a member of the Kent Reptile & Amphibian Group and I share your passion for photographing these beautiful creatures. Please check out my photographs here: jasonsteelwildlifephotography.yolasite.com
Thanks, Jason.
20111jay 2 months ago
@20111jay 'djsbehavingbadly' is right in his comments regarding grass snakes. Although Grass Snakes are termed non-venomous they do possess Duvernoy glands in their upper jaws that produce a very mild venom. Despite Grass Snakes possessing no fangs and this venom only being weak and found in the snake's saliva it does serve a purpose. The main diet of the Grass Snake is amphibians which when caught in the mouth of the snake will absorb this venom through their skin.
Jason
20111jay 2 months ago
@djsbehavingbadly yea this is true. I read it in a book. I was astonished when I 1st heard it. Not poisonous to Humans though.
snakes1000000 1 month ago
great to see British wildlife like this fantastic video from Benwaddams 10/10
Dock18TeamLeader 11 months ago
HoW Would U Tell The Differce From An Adder?
CagsRogers 1 year ago
@CagsRogers
adders hace a diamond pattern on there body
lewis9968 1 year ago
i dont know if this is true or not but i herd that in ancient times the blood of some was some times drank by local tribe men
austinboboston1 1 year ago
Are they venomos
d4n2y1 1 year ago
@d4n2y1 Nope they are completely harmless. Thanks for watching.
Ben
benwaddams 1 year ago
i like your videos , i have caught a natrix natrix and after stinked my hand , its was the defens subtances
0101sk 1 year ago
great video ben were is live i have saw the rare grass snake there is a marshy area buy me in birmingham called sutton park but you rarley find snakes there
once again great video keep up the good work
guyinthecloset 1 year ago
is there slow worms, grass snakes, adders in the midlands?
TomatoKetchup5724 1 year ago
@TomatoKetchup5724 Yes i live in birmingham and there is a place called sutton park it is 16 miles long and the warden says there is protected wildlife here these include foxes,and snakes i have also seen a grass snake by my house
guyinthecloset 1 year ago
you look like a combination of david attenborough and bear grylls, i only hope you share the latters faith. Great work
0403790r 1 year ago
I know a place where i seen grass snakes before last year but i cant find any this year there whats the best time of year to find them its been sunny recently but none at all.
ghostflourisher93 1 year ago
@ghostflourisher93
I don't live in Britain but Denmark, but still I quite interested in Grass snakes. I've found that they are most easy to be tracked in the morning or midday, aprox. about 9 - 10 until 12 -13'ish, while they are warmning themselves in the sunlight. Otherwise they are also likely to be seen swimming in the water at late afternoon. So a bright and warm sunny day around midday should to the trick. Good luck to you!
Please as if you have any questions!
somatder 1 year ago
too hot??? its Britain you know!
ryanbTD 1 year ago
i live in darwenlanshire will i find ny snakes?
mrcallofdutykill 2 years ago
thanks so much for the video ^o^
i'm studying for a biology contest and i needed this kind of information
thanks once again for the help and have a nice day , mister Ben !
akumashindorballomu 2 years ago
Do they taste good?
PoorFormNorbert 2 years ago
i live in stockport near manchester do you think ill get smooth snakes or grass snakes round there plz sned mesaage bk
pidgeonchillin 2 years ago
smooth snakes are quite rare mate
cobragaz 2 years ago
i live in suffolk in lowestoft do you think that theres a population of snakes there?
williamtrew 2 years ago
I found a Grass snake in my back Garden and it was dead but don't know were it came from. I have a small pond but it has no newts or froGs in it, I also have a compost heap do you have any ideas
couldbeinsanity 2 years ago
It wasn't by any chance caught up in garden netting, possibly around your pond? That causes alot of grass snake deaths. Otherwise it may have been killed by a fox, badger, bird of prey or a cat and left there? Thanks for the story :)
Ben
benwaddams 2 years ago
omg, i live down in the south, in dorset it is loaded with snakes, i find all sorts in my gardan, mostly grass snakes, some slow worm(if they count) and i'm not to sure but i think i have caught a glimps of a few adders. but you cant go down to the end of my gardan and not catch a glimps of a snake. i also have a pet corn snake :D i love snakes :D
marko50081367 2 years ago
Sounds like I'm in the wrong county! Your garden sounds fantastic. Long may it and you continue to support them. Well done mate,
Ben
benwaddams 2 years ago
Where abouts are you located??
marko50081367 2 years ago
I am currently living in Shropshire, but from Buckinghamshire. And you?
Ben
benwaddams 2 years ago
do u know any places in buckinghamshire where to find vipers? dont really wanna come across any camping out in fields etc
tiddlywinks98712 2 years ago
@benwaddams Im in shropshire too :-)
KingFluffs 1 year ago
@KingFluffs That took you a year to reply! haha. Whereabouts mate?
Ben
benwaddams 1 year ago
@benwaddams Telford
KingFluffs 1 year ago
You're so lucky!
tobarrr 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i love your video's steve, i mean ben, they really are an inspiration
nighthunte29 2 years ago
i love your video's steve, they really are an inspiration
nighthunte29 2 years ago
Haha, surely there is no chance of confusing me with Mr. Irwin! But thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the videos and I'll take your comments as a compliment indeed! Your Adder story was great, thankyou and keep up the reptile hunting :)
Ben
benwaddams 2 years ago
thankyou, in my first comment i replied to bittermassacre i wasnt being rude to you lol!
then the second i posted it and it said internet explorer cant display webpage so i didnt think it went on, but it did, sorry for the double post steve
nighthunte29 2 years ago
i cant find my story about the adder, i remember writing it lol
nighthunte29 2 years ago
Haha that Grass snake was pretty mad at first.
ABBAERIC 2 years ago
Went looking for them today and actually found one! One of the best feelings ever!
CrysisC0RE 2 years ago
Great! I can certainly relate to that :) good stuff,
Ben
benwaddams 2 years ago
smellovison!! Exellent!
williamjgleed 3 years ago
Well done for encouraging the idiots in Britain to "try this at home",
There was no need to tail that snake and this certainly isn't a great place to publicise your antics where careless people can watch and go "hunting" for themselves.
bittermassacre 3 years ago
idiot, it is an encouragemeant to all herpetologists in britain, what is wrong with it, there is nothing entirely harmful, and dont say the adder, they will never bite, well done though you are a good hater as they usually spell things wrong
nighthunte29 2 years ago
Erm, I didn't spell anything incorrectly, unlike you, I think you'll find it's encouragemENT. I never said there was anything all that harmless in the UK. &It isn't a good kind of encouragement. I stand by the fact a GRASS SNAKE does NOT need to be tailed. END.
bittermassacre 2 years ago
i never said that YOU spelt anything wrong, actually i said quite the opposite, i also never said that i dont spell things wrong.
nighthunte29 2 years ago
haha bear grills 2.
ukwhite 3 years ago
NO Please! I can't stand him - I didn't eat it or harm it = can't be bear grylls! Cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
ihave caught abou t 20 of them and adders :) buti dont usaly touch them i founf slow worms at well Ftw
r3xc 3 years ago
Great video. Shows what diverse wildlife we have here in the UK.
Billinghaylad1976 3 years ago
Hi Ben, great vids. Very engaging. I have posted this video to The NatureWatch Showcase. Hope you dont mind. Best wishes and keep up the nice work. Paul
ammonoid 3 years ago
Ben, it me the guy who lives near Hampstead Heath, yeah thanks for the advice, i've finally found a Grass Snake in Hampstead Heath
IfYourIt 3 years ago
heyy i go herping in the reserve by my house in essex so far i have recorded 7 grass snakes and 4 adders in mersea island but i have never seen a smooth snake has anyone seen one because there rare
cobragaz 3 years ago
Interesting and informative. What is the population of grass snakes and adder in UK - they decline or increasing?
lion2010 3 years ago
Thankyou very much :) Unfortunatly both Adders and Grass snakes are decreasing in numbers across the UK. They are both still fairly widespread and local populations contain fairly high numbers, but altogether, they are declining due to habitat loss and declining prey species. Cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
thanks a million my whole family lives in england so il have a look thanks
kakashininja650 3 years ago
love the vid where are you roughly in england when you did this
kakashininja650 3 years ago
Hey, thanks alot. I was in south Buckinghamshire. There are a few reserves around here that are a safe haven for grass snakes, adders and lizards, really little gems :) Cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
i live near a large moors that has water and alot of brush would i be able to observe snakes in there
a280281 3 years ago
Sounds ideal mate. You want to check with your local conservation officer to see whether snakes have been recorded there or not, you can do this online, often through the wildlife trusts website. Most undisturbed wet/dry habitats that contain amphibians, will be able to support snakes. Good luck and let me know what you find :) thanks mate,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
sorry man so you are saying that snake is not harmles?!are there any harmles snakes in britain
bulqizaku1uk 3 years ago
Heya mate, no I'm saying he is totally harmless. Adders are the only venomous snake in the UK but they too can largely be considered harmless to humans. They cause minor swelling and sometimes a flu-like cold. The only problem arises when they bite someone who suffers from anaphalactic shock - like a bee sting. Thanks mate,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
YOUR A TWAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DoncasterBoy 3 years ago
Please explain?! I'm very interested in why you think this???...oh wait, no I'm not. Cheers for adding to the comments tho!
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
Hey 8D I wondered if you maybe have some tips for catching grass snakes and adders? My teacher doesn't have any photos of them, so I'm trying to catch some for him, so he can photograph them ^^
By the way,nice catch ^^
BonzLover 3 years ago
Do these people not understant that even our legendary David Attenborough does not "Suddenly" spot a creature. An entire crew of people (ie bird or snake specialits etc) do the searching first, then they go in and do the serendipitous shoot. And do they really think that he does it all in one take - erm. Hopefully his camera crew dont step off the path when filming eh. Your multi edits show that you found the snake over a period of time passing. Nice informative vids. Good job!
starlightergirl 3 years ago
Hey, thanks for the comment and the compliments. As I've said before, this location is famous for its large population of grass snakes and adders. They are found at almost every area of cover. This was filmed how it happened and I am infact making a clip to show how easy it is. If I kept all the footage as it was, it would make the clip too long for youtube, but there certainly was no planted snake here and there's about 15 seconds missing off the entire clip - its bang on the 100mb limit.
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
Hi Ben, really like your vids, im going to do a bit of outdoor herping myself i think(inspired), see what i come across. Dont listen to these idiots on here, if you r supposed to be harming and stressing snakes then what do they call what Steve Irwin did? Nobody said anything about him holding snakes by the tail or encouraging them to strike! They are just jelous losers mate. Keep up the great vids.
Andy
rc10andy 3 years ago
Heya Andy mate. Thanks for the comments, for watching and for the support. It means alot to me. I always put the safety of the animal before anything else and that grass snake was at no time in harms way. Thank you for realising that. Please have a go yourself, that would be brilliant! You should take a video camera with you if you can? Let me know how it goes please!!? Thanks again mate,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
as the pro wild life presenters and experts say!! golden rule of wildlife is respect there habitat and their well being- in this video thats gone right out of the window!!!!
bcoy1para 3 years ago
Thanks again for the comment, but please show me where the habitat isn't respected (I was clearly on a path) sorry if a broke a bramble thorn or two and secondly, please tell everyone where the well being of this beautiful and personal favourite animal is in jeopardy...thankyou. Thanks for watching, I'm not trying to be a wildlife presenter, I'm very happy at my day job and do this as a hobby, but thanks for asking! Cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
Lol, sorry mate, don't get all defensive when I have a brilliant area for grass snakes on my back door step and you don't yes I'm very lucky and I know that. Planted snake? That does make me laugh. I just made a vid with the camera running all the time showing how lovely and easy it was to find one, in about 30 secs if you know what environment you're looking for, 'buddy'. Thanks for watching tho.! Cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
Agreed handling of snake is wrong! , obviously staged as you dont come across adders like that! 3rdly- please stop trying to be a wild life presenter!! as they say "dont quit the day job"
bcoy1para 3 years ago
Staged? Sorry if I do my research and know where to look after 25 years. How can you say that was staged?! And where's the adder in this video. Thanks for the comments mate but please have atleast a little clue about what you're talking about before posting on here, cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
do my research? u must do yours learn how to pick up a snake properly! ridiculous video! (meant grass snake) you telling me you made that video and so how came across a snake right there right then?????? LOL nice try buddy , like i said it would be a better vid if you didnt try and act like a wanabe wildlife presenter , and acted natural and didnt have a ready made placed snake!
bcoy1para 3 years ago
this is rubbish. one of the worst videos i've seen in a long time. completely handling the snake wrongly, no concern for it's health and welbeing and complete incompetence. rubbish
frogworlduk 3 years ago
Incompetence? Interesting. Thanks for the comment though mate. I am sure you are on the captive bred or herpo forums, check out my responses there. Thanks for watching,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
I have seen Common lizards and lots of slow worms in the field where i live but have not seen a grass snake so far. The field had lots of leaf piles, compost bins, a frog filled pond and everything else a grass snake would want!!!
roymeadow 3 years ago
why don't you try just filming the animals in their natural habitat? This takes far more skill and would be much more interesting instead of stressing them out and causing them to waste loads of energy.
edlactera 3 years ago
Thanks again mate. Ok, and sure I could go and do that, after all, one has to creep up on these animals before presenting them, but what's going to get people, especially youngsters more excited to watch, learn and then help conserve our snakes and other herps/wildlife. A picture of a snake going through the grass with no encounter or relative human aspect...or the above? I think alot of people would come down in favour of the latter and indeed I can prove it from my responses.Thanks again,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
the substance really stinks doesnt it lol like rotting garlics and pond weed ive been round grass snakes quite a lot when i go to my uncles in misson springs they bask in dead braken patch i have even put some corrigated sheeting down which i stole of my uncles garage im hoping to attract some slow worms because i have never encounted one before i have seen everything else so seeing one would be good. were abouts do you go for your filming?
doncasterboy1 3 years ago
Snakes should not be held by the tip of the tall it can serious hurt them. Your just going to encourage loads of people to head out to the countryside and handle/hurt/stress out snakes.
edlactera 3 years ago
Heya mate, I can assure you I did not even squeeze that snake. I love 'em and I would never harm anything. Wherever possible I supported hi head and took the weight of his tail, be it on the ground on on my hand. I wouldn't want people to go around breaking snake's tails but I'm not going to be a hypocrite. Thanks for your concern mate, really appreciated,
Cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
You really shouldn't lift a snake off the ground by the tip of its tail it can strain their muscles and damage vertebrae. Get a copy of the Herptofauna workers manual. You can buy it online from the natural history bookshop. This tells you how to correctly handle these animals (if you really have to do it). It also gives info on the law regarding British herps. Amphibians & reptiles by Beebee and Griffiths is also very good book.
edlactera 3 years ago
Thank you but I am perfectly aware of the laws. Thanks for your concern mate, but on me, it is really unfounded I assure you, thanks
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
Good stuff Ben!
Do you know any hotspots in Kent?
Would love to see some Adders!
Lick539 3 years ago
Thanks mate :) I haven't been snaking in kent, but i know there are some good spots there. What you need to do is check the wildlife trusts website and go to the kent section. There should then be a list of nature reserves in the county and species lists too. That will get you started :) cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
Go on your Web address and copy that in you will see it.
Faamz 3 years ago
/Users/nomecognome/Documents/Image002#3.jpg
Faamz 3 years ago
Ey' Ben.
Hampstead Heath Sent me a Thing which say what animals you can find on Hampstead Heath but it doesnt say all of them. You can also find Badgers, Moles, Slow-Worms And Common Lizard and More. Its just say some of them.
Faamz 3 years ago
Thanks mate!
parkourbobo 3 years ago
What does it eat :?
parkourbobo 3 years ago
Heya mate, Grass snakes eat a variety of other animals. Mostly they will hunt and over-power amphibians (newts, frogs and toads in the UK) and fish. Where avaliable they will take lizards too and the young snakes (neonates) will hunt insects and other invertebrates. Hope that answers your question :) Cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
Next time i should bring a Camera Huh.
Faamz 3 years ago
Next we saw a Little Mouse just walking and then we was walking to some pond which look good for Grass Snakes and we saw a Rabbit running inside some hole. Then we saw about 3 Rabbits just together in a bush it was so COOL, Look what Mammals you can still find in the City. Me and my friend are gonna look for more maybe Hedgehogs, Kingfishers, Slow-Worms And of course Grass Snake its was so COOL.
Faamz 3 years ago
Hey thats fantastic mate! I love your enthusiasm, you should take a video camera next time you go?! Good luck with finding the other beasties on the list, but what a great start eh? You're right, its incredible how many cool animals live in and around the city. Nice 1 mate,
cheers
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
Ey' Ben.
I just went went to Hampstead Heath with my friend Harry, and it was so cool. We where like saying to are selfs "We are gonna find some animals" We where looking around for ages, the first Mammal we saw was we think was a Muntjac inside rough big bushes it was cool we saw it for about 1 Sec and it started making some big noice and ran away.
Faamz 3 years ago
Hey Ben.
Do you think Fallow Deer or Red Deer could make Hampstead Heath there home and like it. Hampstead Heath is 800 Acres so its obviously big Enough. Other London parks like Richmond Park, Bushy Park Or Greenwich Park have Deer. Richmond is about 2000 Acres, Bushy is about 1000 Acres But Greenwich have Red and Fallow Deer and its
183 Acres so do you think Hampstead Heath will be a good place.
Faamz 3 years ago
I'm afraid I don't know much about the correct environments necessary to support a successful deer population, but from what you say, it seems sensible and ofcourse, as much wildlife as we can get into (or should I say back in to) our cities as possible is always a good thing. Good thinking mate, thanks for sharing it,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
would t be safe to pick up without it biting me?
Tuned870 3 years ago
Hey Ben.
Maybe when all the Reptiles start to come out maybe you can do some videos on atleast one of these. Aesculapian Snake, Wall Lizard, Green Lizard, Smooth Snake Or Sand Lizard, or find a Grass Snake on Hampstead Heath Lol.
Faamz 3 years ago
Lol, love to mate! :)
Benjo
benwaddams 3 years ago
Hey Ben.
This time of year, can you find Grass Snakes, i went Hampstead Heath with my Cousin and haven't even saw a Grass Snake not even a Slow-Worm and we where looking for ages.
Faamz 3 years ago
Yup, they are out and about, but not many yet. As its just snowed, it will prob be another week or so before they get really numerous (well, as numerous as a declining species can get) so yer, come on sun!! Cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
Hi faamz how old are you?Ive been looking for grass snakes in hampstead heath but i have no luck...
rapperDBoy 3 years ago
Do you know the really big bridge deep within the heath, theres a pond near it, around the pond theres alot of space then a fence, i found it there. I've also seen rabbits there.
And im 14.
IfYourIt 2 years ago
Hey, Ben.
I heard you can find Aesculapian Snake in some parts on UK is
this true?
Reply.
Faamz 3 years ago
Yep, thats true mate. There are some breeding in north west wales I believe. Thanks,
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
Ey' Benwaddams.
Its me Sonnyzk! i forgot my pass. In Hampstead Heath can you find Deer such as Muntjacs Etc.
Faamz 3 years ago
Thanks mate, thats right, Hampstead Heath is a great place for alot of wildlife! Thanks for the heads up! :)
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
are these good for pets?
kyle404040 3 years ago
Heya, no not really. They have been kept in captivity, but they require a very specialist diet (hence why they are becoming rarer in the wild too) consisting of different species of live amphibians native to this part of the world.
Ben
benwaddams 3 years ago
and you would be braking the law there under the wildlife and countryside act dont keep one as a pet thats WC you could get in big trouble
mikesherps 3 years ago
do you know where hoghton is (nr preston) wil there be any snakes there??
DANSONIO 4 years ago
do u know how when and where to see slow worms because my dad said he keeps seeing them in the garden and he bets that I wont so I want to prove him wron, I won't catch it I just want to take picture.
grifterguy 4 years ago
grass snakes are harmless...then it tries to bite you lol do they have teeth?
grifterguy 4 years ago
My word yeah! They've got about 40 really sharp little teeth but they are not the most fast striking of snakes and sometimes they just lunge without opening their mouths, so its quite easy to avoid a bite if you've got half decent reflexes. Slow worms are sometimes quite common in gardens, which is fantastic. Look under flat pieces of stone or planks of wood etc on a warm morning (hopefully we'll get some of them soon!) and you should find them. Lemme know if you get some pics mate. Cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 4 years ago
It is acctually ILLIGAL to kill Adders or Grass Snakes!
aidenblack 4 years ago
Certainly is mate, long may it be that way! Its also illegal to handle the smooth snake natterjack toad and sand lizards without a liscence, which is good. Cheers mate,
Ben
benwaddams 4 years ago
really? ooops I have handle sand lizards and natterjack toads that I have found :O
Herper666 4 years ago
As seen on Snake-Watch TV on my WORLD PROTECTION FOR SNAKES web site.
This is a man who i give great credit to for his work towards snakes.
Too many snakes die in the hands of inhumane people.
wfpsnakes 4 years ago
This guy is clearly a professional. I love watching his documentary on the animals he finds, very good work keeping the crowed glued in and delivery the message to the viewers. Hopefully someone will notice and we can see him on the discovery channel =) Either way here or there, it's all good, keep it going on, good stuff.
faosfx 4 years ago
Well, if you know any producers... =)thanks mate, really kind words, goes straight to my heart. I'm glad you like the docos. Hopefully more will be coming in the next couple of months. I just enjoy doing them and I love the animlas and if people like watching them, its a bonus. Cheers mate,
Ben
benwaddams 4 years ago
dude went out herping, I'll tell you the full story, anyway im gnna get some numbers for you to ring see if you can ge on t.v, all it takes it to go on spring watch and you will get ppl after you!
Joe1507 4 years ago
Hi there i enjoyed whatching your videos i think you shoud join the BBC wildlife and do your on program then you will be the next david antenbrou and what time did you get up to see the slow worm and grass snake
sandyhmfc 4 years ago
Hi there, great video! Do you know of any areas in the Northwest of England (North Wales, Chester, Wirral etc) where I might see snakes in the wild?
Thanks.
Marke2020 4 years ago
hi dude, just a quik update, i am going out on sunday and will hopeflly get some snake tongs, then in march, april may im gnna go snake hunting for the first time lol :P
Joe1507 4 years ago
alright matey, i was just wondering if ya know if there was any place in the northwest that i could see a grass snake as i have been in to snakes for years and adore the grass snake but have neva seen one in the wild, lake district maybe? any help would be appreciated, cheers
jymdude 4 years ago
Heya mate, thatnks for the comment. Yup there are plenty of srass snakes throughout the lake district and surrounding nature reserves. In the south lakes, Hay Bridge Nature Reserve is a good place to see them. But really, any marshy habitat with perhaps woodland nearby, would be great if undisturbed and on a warm, sunny morning.
benwaddams 4 years ago
There are adders up around you too, again, the Lakes is a great place. Just get out for a few hours before 11am and you'll find one come march/april time :) happy hunting mate! Cheers,
Ben
benwaddams 4 years ago
You must be lucky to live in the country side lol, i hate the city.
sonnyzk 4 years ago
BTW, Can you do videos on the english scorpion, sand lizard and smooth snake.
sonnyzk 4 years ago
Thx Benwaddams, you the best.
sonnyzk 4 years ago
Reply please i really really want to find one, and you can see how Hamstead Heath is just search on google, Wildweb Hamstead Heath or just search hamstead heath thanx
sonnyzk 4 years ago
Heya mate. Yup Hampstead heath is a great place to find herps in the city. There are slow worms there as well as grass snakes. All you need to do is go out a few warm, sunny mornings in april/may onwards, and get an hour or so of searching in before 11am. Grass snakes can b found along the edges of the ponds and lake, basking in the early sun. If possible, get off the beaten track a bit. :) cheers
Ben
benwaddams 4 years ago
Hey, Benwaddams. I live North West London, and there a big park called Hamstead Heath like a nature reserve they, and it like country side and im a 12 year old kid intrested in british reptiles and at the front of the park it saids grass snakes can be found there i tried for along time but i never no where to find them i look it wet places there ponds there dont see alot i never see one and i really want to see one but i have never in my life can you give me some tips please
sonnyzk 4 years ago
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megashorts 4 years ago
Comment removed
megashorts 4 years ago
Heya mate, Great Stuff!! Sounds like you live in the best place ever! I'd love to see the pics, yes please. I love all the British Herps, but grass snakes have got to be in my top 10 snakes worldwide...very underrated! Cheers :)
Ben
benwaddams 4 years ago
Comment removed
megashorts 4 years ago
where do u live megashorts?
rapperDBoy 3 years ago
So that was the Grass Snake :D
We got it in Norway to, but I have so bad luck that I will never find one :(
Kraissy144 4 years ago
Ah no, don't give up mate. You just need to know where to look. Maybe listen out for a renowned good spot and spend an hour or so everyday checking the sunny bits when it warms up a bit. You'll find one soon :) Cheers for the comment,
Ben
benwaddams 4 years ago