A new snake in Europe: The Barred Grass Snake is described as a separate species. Scientists identified a new species of snake in Europe. Based on more than 1,600 snakes, the researchers were able to show that the “Barred Grass Snake,” whose range includes Western Germany, France, Great Britain, Switzerland and Italy constitutes a distinct species. In their study the team examined two contact zones - in the Rhine region and in eastern Germany - where different genetic lineages of grass snakes meet. Source 5j.