Bats and Snakes
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Bats
Bats are generally very placid and shy animals with tiny teeth. However, a stressed or injured bat might be frightened and may try to defend itself so please use gloves when handling them. Place the bat in an aerated box, containing a small dish of water - no bigger than a plastic milk bottle lid, for the bat to drink from. For help with bats, contact the Bat Conservation Trust.
If you think you may have a bat roost and are concerned, please contact the Bat Conservation Trust for advice.
Snakes
Bracknell has large tracts of forest and heathland, which are a favoured place of snakes. If you live near these habitats, there’s a chance that you may find snakes in your garden. If you see a snake it will most likely be a grass snake (Natrix natrix) but in a few cases it may an adder (Vipera berus). Both are shy and will move away if disturbed so there is no need for alarm. However these reptiles are best avoided where possible as an adder’s bite may not be life-threatening to most adults, but it will be quite painful.
If you're worried about snakes in your garden, further advice is given in:
- Froglife's advice sheet on Snakes in the Garden and
- Natural England's booklet on Reptiles in your Garden
All British reptiles are protected against injury and killing under the Wildllife and Countryside Act 1981.
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