Yes, Denmark has snakes. No, this is not a reference aimed at Danish politicians.

There are officially two species of snakes in Denmark, one of them is seen above: Snogen (the grass snake/natrix natrix). I recorded this elusive organism at Kalvebod Fælled near Copenhagen after two hours of searching. Despite their black colour, they’re surprisingly well-camouflaged against the forest floor.

Prior to a sincere fascination with these animals, I’ve had a terrible fear of snakes throughout my life. While many species of snakes are venomous to us humans, the grass snake is not one of them. In my later years, I learned to curb this fear by actively studying them. I went from ripping out/obscuring pages with snakes in my nature books to hourly walks seeking out vipers and grass snakes in Scandinavian forests.

I do still have respect for them and will for their and my own benefit not touch them. But if you like me, fear something rather irrationally, approach it even more.

You can start with Kavlebod Fælled if it’s snakes.