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RAUK - Archived Forum - Of interest only to natrix enthusiasts??

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Of interest only to natrix enthusiasts??:
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Robert V
Senior Member
Joined: 06 Aug 2004
No. of posts: 717


View other posts by Robert V 		Posted: 24 Sep 2004

 

If the gang out there are thinking that grassies would simply stop mating because human beings might happen along, take a look at the photo and think again!

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RobV
David Bird
Forum Specialist
Joined: 17 Feb 2003
No. of posts: 515


View other posts by David Bird 		Posted: 25 Sep 2004
Hope you didnt pick these up to photograph. Many snakes have hooks on the hemipenes and once they are mating and swollen do not release easily so if one sees mating snakes please do not disturb. I did come across a pair of 2 m. long mating 4 lined snakes on an old track through a Hornbeam wood and when they saw me the female shot off dragging the unfortunate male behind by the hemipenes, went up into the trees dragging him up behind her and as he tried to climb into the branches as well he kept getting wrenched further up the tree. Made by eyes water to see that.
British Herpetological Society Librarian and member of B.H.S Conservation Committee. Self employed Herpetological Consultant and Field Worker.
Robert V
Senior Member
Joined: 06 Aug 2004
No. of posts: 717


View other posts by Robert V 		Posted: 26 Sep 2004

 

David,

what you described is exactly what happened here. The pair saw me and the female raced off dragging the male by the you-know-whats through heather, then some sparse gorse. It didn't look like she was going to stop, which made me take emergency action to try to avoid damage to the male. I placed them together under a huge mound of cut birch and made a swift exit before she could bolt again. For all I know they're still coupled! 0:) 

I've seen that in foxes as well, but cold water usually cures them. R 


RobV
Robert V
Senior Member
Joined: 06 Aug 2004
No. of posts: 717


View other posts by Robert V 		Posted: 27 Sep 2004
Ps. David, how long have you been chairman of the conservation committee on the BHS?
RobV

- Of interest only to natrix enthusiasts??

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