The Garter Snake, a small semi-aquatic snake, takes its name from the light yellow collar it wears on the back of its neck. You may come across it on the banks of Lake Geneva in the tall grass or in the riprap. It lurks between rocks, waiting for prey to swim by. When the prey, fish or amphibian, is at a safe distance, it dives on it. It is a very good swimmer, which enables it to pursue its prey without ever killing it. It will swallow it alive. On the other hand, if it is frightened, it will vomit to escape. Regurgitated prey may still be alive. On land, it also hunts lizards and mice.
The Ring-necked Snake has three ways of defending itself if it feels threatened.
Its first reaction is to flee. If caught, it will secrete a foul-smelling cloacal substance while blowing loudly. Avoid catching it or you'll have this smell for a while.
If it doesn't have the time to flee, it will play dead in the face of enemies such as birds, cats, foxes and weasels. It writhes, belly visible with its mouth open, letting its tongue hang out. To enhance the illusion, drops of blood may come out of its mouth.
As far as reproduction is concerned, between March and April, the Ring-necked Snake sometimes lays its eggs close to dwellings in compost heaps, decomposing stumps or manure heaps. The decomposition of organic matter releases a lot of heat, making it a natural incubation environment. A female can lay between 10 and 40 soft-shelled eggs.
Sometimes it is attracted by the warmth of hen houses. This behaviour is at the root of some terrifying beliefs, such as the legendary Basilisk.
PS: Since 2017, the Swiss subspecies of the Ring-necked snake has been elevated to species status under the name Natrix helvetica.
Information taken from Pro Natura articles.
