A reader wrote to us: “Is killing grass snakes allowed? Can you receive any kind of punishment for it?” As it turned out, a resident of one of the localities in our county killed a grass snake that was basking in her orchard and announced it on her Facebook profile. (She also uploaded photos.)
What is more, the reptile probably ended up... on her table. (That is, it was eaten.)
Considering the discussion that erupted beneath the post, the woman apparently thought she was killing a common European adder. One forum user replied:
What adder? It’s a grass snake—you can tell by the yellow markings behind its head. Don’t kill it; it doesn’t bite. I have two at my place.
Another person added: Grass snakes are protected, so you must not kill them, let alone boast about it on FB. Another Facebook user supported the latter commenter, writing bluntly:
The only sensible comment. People in the countryside kill and devour everything, what a bunch of backward idiots.
And indeed, as istotne.pl was informed by Joanna Ligór-Tkacz, the district veterinary inspector, killing grass snakes is punishable by law. The woman who killed the reptile in her orchard may face a fine.
Asked for comment on the killing of grass snakes in rural areas, J. Ligór-Tkacz said that it was a highly reprehensible act.