Was it a slow worm?

[Booldawg]

Being half term my daughter was poking around in the garden today and stumbled across what I think may be a baby slow worm. It was about 4 inches long, and what I would describe as a pink/salmon colour. Definitely not a worm as it had the very distinctive snakes head. Any idea on what it could've been?

[gessoo]

Sound like it.

This site gives some information about young slow worms, which are described as being a light golden colour.

http://www.uksafari.com/slowworms.htm

[burnhal]

Seems slightly early in the year to be out of hibernation but if the weathers warm then possibly -and slightly short for an adult slow-worm. Young are born in the Autumn. Where abouts are you? Have a read of

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/281.shtm l

[Booldawg]

I did wonder if it was too early for it to be out of hibernation, and was definately young, no bigger than an earthworm, but a pinky beige colour with the snake shaped head.

We are in NE Hampshire if that helps!

[burnhal]

after further research it appears males and last years young emerge first from hibernation. So if you have had a warm spell it looks like its one of last years young. Was amazed to find they are long lived- fifty years! Full grown after 8 years so sounds like yours was definitely a youngster

[daveystott]

Very much doubt it was a juvenile slow worm, they are black and yellow. I survey reptiles on a regular basis and I've never seen a salmon pink slow worm at any life stage. Your description doesn't fit any other UK native species, so I'm mystified. Maybe an escaped exotic?

Davey