While most people think of Sweden as a cold land with snow, the truth is that it also has some fascinating and beautiful animals. One of the most intriguing creatures you may encounter is a snake.

Snakes in Sweden are relatively rare, but a few species are native to the country. Three snakes are found in Sweden, including the Smooth Snake, the Common European Adder, and the Grass Snake.

This article will discuss each species, giving you a better understanding of these fantastic creatures. If you want to learn more about snakes in Sweden, keep reading.

1. Smooth Snake

The Smooth Snake, scientifically known as Coronella austriaca, is a non-venomous snake. They are brown, grey, or reddish, with two rows of dark spots running along the back toward the tail.

The trademark crown-like marking on the snake’s head gives them their generic name of Coronella. The four series of spots correspond to the placement of four parallel stripes running down the back and flanks.

It also has four parallel shadowy stripes on its back and flanks, accompanied by a dark stripe from each nostril and eye down to either side of its head. Smooth snakes grow to a maximum length of around 27” (70 cm) and can live up to 20 years.

Because they are so rare, it’s against the law to kill or harm these snakes. It’s also illegal to disturb their nests or have them as pets.

Distribution and Reproduction

The smooth snake is a fascinating reptile species widely spread across northern and central Europe and as far east as north Iran. They enjoy living in habitats such as coniferous forests and other woodlands.

Smooth snakes start mating in late March or April. 

The females are ovoviviparous, which means that their eggs hatch internally before they give birth to between 4-15 live young ones. Still, they are also known to set up nests near the following areas: 

• Rocks
• Shrubbery
• Grasslands
• Other open zones with vegetation

After the first few days with the mother, the hatchlings will wreak out a life independently. By the age of 4 years old, these snakelets become reproductively mature.

Lifestyle and Diet

The smooth snake is a land-dwelling creature that rarely basks in open areas and prefers to stay on the ground. They can sometimes be seen climbing low shrubs, but they are mainly solitary, hiding in cracks of rocks or leaves or under stones and underground.

During the day, these snakes use their excellent camouflaging techniques to hunt their prey, which are usually smaller reptiles such as slow worms. As an added defense mechanism, the smooth snake has no qualms about biting if it feels threatened.

Despite being expert hunters and good at subduing their victims with constriction, they differ from true constrictors because they do not kill them by this method. In the cold winter months of March and April, they hibernate underground in burrows made by other animals and wait until spring arrives again.

2. Common European Adder

The Common European adder, also known as Vipera berus, is one of few venomous species in Europe that ranges from light-colored with small and incomplete dark dorsal crossbars to brown with faint or clear darker markings.

Interestingly, males and females of this species can be differentiated based on their coloration. While females are typically brown with dark-brown markings, males are pure gray or light gray in color, with black zig-zag markings that stand out against their lighter base color. Adults can grow up to 24” (60 cm). 

Some specimens have been known to live up to 15 years.

Distribution and Reproduction

Common European adders inhabit parts of central and eastern Europe and East Asia, but they can make themselves at home in many places that range from chalky downs and rocky hillsides to sandy heaths and meadows.

The common European adder is a species of snake that follows a polygynous mating system. Multiple males can mate simultaneously with one female during spring’s peak breeding season. Females typically give birth to 3-20 live young anytime between July through October. Mating commonly occurs in August and September.

They also enjoy living near bodies of water, typically in areas with dry ground nearby, such as streams or lakes near wetlands.

Lifestyle and Diet

Common European adders are predominantly active during the day. However, depending on their geographic location, they may be active during the evening and nighttime in the summer months.

They usually stay on land but have climbed up low bushes or banks to bask in the sun or search for prey. During wintertime, they will often hibernate communally and come together on mild days when the snow has melted.

The common European adder is a carnivore whose diet mainly consists of small mammals, such as:

• Mice
• Rats
• Voles
• Shrews 

They also feed on 

• Lizards
• Slow worms
• Amphibians such as frogs and newts
• Birds, but they prefer nestlings 
• Spiders
• Worms

3. Grass Snake

The Grass snake, also known as the Natrix natrix, is a fascinating creature to observe in the wild. It can often be found near bodies of water because it relies on amphibians for its diet. 

It can vary in appearance. Those living in colder climates, such as Sweden, tend to have darker colors to help them absorb more heat from their habitat. They also possess noticeable yellow rings around their necks and a pattern of white and black blotches along their bellies which further distinguishes them from other species.

Grass snakes can grow approximately 6’ (1.82 m) long and have a lifespan of 15-25 years in the wild but can live even longer when captive.

Distribution and Reproduction

Grass snakes are a widespread species in mainland Europe, which can be found from Scandinavia to southern Italy. Their love of water makes them frequent visitors to ponds, lakes, and other wetland habitats.

If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of grass snakes in the wild, your best bet is in April during mating season (though it could start earlier if the weather permits) or from June-July when females lay anywhere from 8-40 eggs that usually hatch within 10 weeks.

If you want an amazing observation point, these amazing reptiles tend to nest near decayed plants and are usually around 7” (18 cm) long once hatched.

Lifestyle and Diet

Grass snakes are surprisingly solitary creatures, despite their nature to stay close to bodies of water. In the warmer months, they rely on sight and smell to locate their prey and tend to hunt during the day.

As a defense mechanism, Grass snakes are equipped with anal glands that emit an unwanted garlic-smelling fluid and occasionally may have the ability to “play dead” if they feel it’s necessary. 

During the winter, they hibernate underground, typically only needing two or three major prey animals throughout the season.

In defense, grass snakes have been observed to hiss and strike without opening their mouth. When caught, they commonly regurgitate the contents of their stomachs. They also may secrete blood from the nose and mouth while playing dead.

The grass snake is a carnivore that primarily dines on amphibians, such as the common toad and frog. They have also been known to eat ants and larvae occasionally.