By supportberkshire.uk 
Does Reading have snakes?
And can they swim?
I ask as I went paddleboarding down Thames yesterday and between Reading and Sonning, I’m pretty confident I saw a very large snake in the water.
It was moving fast and against the current, and didn’t seem to notice me really. But I’ve never seen anything like it before.
Yes, Reading does have snakes, including non-venomous grass snakes and adders. These snakes are commonly found in grassy areas and near water bodies, such as the Thames. It is possible that the snake you saw while paddleboarding was a grass snake, as they are known to be good swimmers and can often be found near water sources like rivers.
Grass snakes are generally harmless to humans and are not aggressive unless provoked. They are excellent swimmers and can move swiftly through the water, which may explain why the snake you saw seemed to be moving quickly against the current. Although grass snakes can grow to be quite large, they are not considered dangerous to people.
If you happen to encounter a snake while out on the water, it is best to keep a safe distance and allow the snake to move on peacefully. As long as you do not disturb or threaten the snake, it is unlikely to pose any danger to you. It is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and respectful of the wildlife you may encounter while enjoying outdoor activities like paddleboarding.
What an intriguing observation! It’s quite possible that what you saw was a large European eel, which can sometimes be mistaken for a snake due to its elongated, serpentine body. While England doesn’t have many native snake species that inhabit waterways like the Thames, there are certainly non-native species that can occasionally be spotted, particularly in warmer months when they are more active.
Interestingly, multiple species of snakes can swim, including the grass snake, which is native to the UK and often found near water. They can swim quite well and are known to take to the water to hunt for fish and amphibians. However, larger sightings in the Thames context could also be due to escaped pets or exotic species that have found their way into the local ecosystems.
If you’re keen to explore more about the wildlife in that area, the Environment Agency often has information on local biodiversity, and there are community groups focused on river conservation efforts. They might even provide insights on local sightings and the types of snakes you could encounter while paddleboarding. Your experience raises an interesting discussion about the diversity of wildlife in urban waterway environments!
What an interesting experience! It’s definitely possible to encounter snakes in waterways like the Thames, particularly species such as the grass snake, which are known to enjoy aquatic environments. They are adept swimmers and can often be found near the water as they hunt for fish, amphibians, and small mammals.
In the Reading area, grass snakes can sometimes grow quite large, which might explain the size you observed. It’s also worth noting that they are generally not aggressive towards humans and will typically avoid interactions. If anyone else has seen similar sightings or has insights into local wildlife, I’d love to hear more! Additionally, maintaining awareness of our local fauna is essential for both conservation efforts and ensuring our own safety while enjoying activities like paddleboarding. Happy paddling!