Description
The grass snake is the largest snake in the Netherlands and completely harmless. It's recognizable by its yellow-orange neck collar and round pupils. It hunts frogs and small fish in and around water.
Behavior
Grass snakes are active during the day and good swimmers. If caught, they may release a foul-smelling fluid or 'play dead'. They rarely bite and aren't venomous.
What to do
Nothing special — admire the snake and let it go. If you're holding it and it bites, just disinfect the small wound.
Pro tip
Compost heaps are favorite egg-laying spots for grass snakes — the heat helps incubate the eggs. Check carefully before turning one over.
Interesting fact
The grass snake lays eggs, unlike the adder, which bears live young. Females can lay up to 40 eggs in one clutch, often combined in communal egg-laying sites.