such as found with marshland, damp leaves, wood debris, wet ditches and are also frequently to be found near to an actual source of water where they enjoy swimming. In spite of this fondness for damp conditions, they sun themselves on tree stumps and similar surfaces, frequently in groups and will often be seen returning to their favourite spot. Hibernation takes place from October until March, although they often emerge for short spells during warmer periods. Sometimes during this period large groups can be found together under logs, large rocks or in other cavities.

and although males will attempt to defend a territory, the females will frequently couple with several different males during the course of a day. The young, which number between 3 and 15, are produced around three months later, and are born in an egg membrane which they normally break out of at the same moment as birth, although this can take up to three days. When born they are able to fend for themselves immediately without any assistance from their mother.

Generally not considered to be seriously threatened with a range that stretches all the way from Europe across Russia to the Sea of Okhotsk. However loss of habitat is fragmenting some populations and climate change is of concern with increasing periods of draught in France