Whip snake

John caught this 'little' chap outside the Mairie, which is across the road from the house.  It bit him only slightly.  He was put in one of the fish tanks John keeps for such occasions.

He is a baby western whip snake.  He is about 30cms long.  They can grow to around 2 metres long.  For information about beasties in France and elsewhere, go to John's Suite 101 site.

http://reptilesamphibians.suite101.com/article.cfm/harmless_french_snakes

http://reptilesamphibians.suite101.com/article.cfm/venomous_french_snakes

http://reptilesamphibians.suite101.com/article.cfm/newts_and_salamanders_of_southern_france

http://lizards.suite101.com/article.cfm/lizards_in_france

The snake was released into the garden and disappeared in only a moment.  His body is a dull brown colour, so he blends well into the foliage.  His head has beautiful markings.

Let's hope by the time he is any bigger, he has moved on.