The Adder (Vipera berus)

Copyright Howard Inns 

The Adder is the most northerly member of the Viper family and is found throughout Britain right up to the north of Scotland, and in Scandinavia its range extends into the Arctic Circle.  It is not, however, found in Ireland.

The Adder is easily recognised as it has a bold dark zig-zag stripe down its back. There is also a row of dark spots along each side. Colours vary from black and white in the male to shades of brown or copper in the female. Completely black specimens are often found. The Adder likes open habitats such as heathland, moorland, open woodland and sea cliffs.  The Adder gives birth to live young in August.

They feed mostly on rodents and lizards, striking their prey to inject venom and then following the scent trail of the dying animal.  It is not an aggressive snake but it is our only snake with a poisonous bite.  There are around 10 recorded cases of death from Adder bite in the last 100 years, but a bite from an adder is painful and usually results in hospitalisation.  Therefore, Adders should be treated with the utmost respect.  Many more people have been killed by lightning, golf balls and wasp stings than by Adder bite!

Adders are protected by law in Great Britain against being killed, injured or sold or traded in any way.