It is always a lucky day, if you see a snake in Switzerland. So this is a diary shot.
This is an approx. 1.2 m female grass snake (Natrix natrix), also known as the ringed snake or water snake. The population is considered “vulnerable” in Switzerland. It is not venomous and absolutely harmless for humans. (Also the two venomenous snakes living in Switzerland are no danger and extremely shy, living in remote places and are non-aggressive.)
Here the temperature dropped near the freezing point the last couple of nights. So she regulated the body temperature by sunning herself on a sunny spot. Soon she will hide for hibernation.
I need to be better prepared for this kind of shots. I just took a turn in the woods, exploring a place homebound from my new work. Therefore I had only the small compact camera with me. :-) (I’m a bit hesitant having my photo gear in the car while at work)
Great photo! It looks so snuggly down there in the leaves.
I always have to give "danger ahead warnings" for my mom when I post these because she is very afraid of snakes. Of course, all my snake photos are of the poisonous variety, so maybe that's why she hates them so much!
i like it.
I always have to give "danger ahead warnings" for my mom when I post these because she is very afraid of snakes. Of course, all my snake photos are of the poisonous variety, so maybe that's why she hates them so much!