I caught a small green grass snake (Opheodrys vernalis) today, but it was pure luck. I was walking in our yard, near some brushy undergrowth, and I saw a fairly thick bright green stalk lying almost horizontally. It caught my attention because it was brighter than anything else around it and it was not vertical.

I wondered what kind of plant it was. I thought it might be a frostweed (Verbesina virginica), because that has a fairly thick stalk and maybe something had pushed it over. Looking more closely, I realized it was a green grass snake.

I grabbed it and it started squirming. I know they’re non-venomous so their was no risk involved. I wondered if it would try to bite me, but it didn’t.

Here’s a photo and you can see how small it is. It was probably about 1.5 feet long and about 1/2 inch in diameter. Look at its tongue, flicking about, as it smells its surroundings.

Green Grass Snake

We released it in our yard and it quickly disappeared.

Here’s one I saw a few years ago lying on our stone driveway. I think it was sunning itself, but it didn’t move even when I got quite close. I caught this one too.

Green Grass Snake Gathering Some Rays

When I released it in our yard, it quickly blended into the grass. I think in addition to their color, they rely on staying still for protection. This make them fairly easy to photograph.

A snake in the grass

I think snakes are fascinating and beautiful. Some people have an instinctive fear of them and will kill any one they see. Please don’t do that.

My advice is: Don’t try to catch one unless you know it’s absolutely safe. It’s best to just leave them alone.