|
|
| Fact File |
 |
 |
- Adults reach 60-80cm long.
- Males are grey with black markings, females are
brown with dark brown markings.
- Adders have a distinctive zigzag pattern down
the centre of the back and a 'V' or 'X' shape on the head.
- They're widespread and common but are thought to
be declining.
- Adders are protected by law from deliberate
killing, injury and trade/sale.
|
|
Photos by Matt Wilson |
Adder’s are found throughout Britain, right up to the north of
Scotland, but their secretive nature and camouflaged markings
mean they often go unnoticed. This can sometimes be a good thing
- as the only venomous snake in the UK they have often been
persecuted in the past. Adder bites are painful but rarely fatal
and usually only occur if the snake is disturbed or deliberately
antagonised. Adders are a sturdy looking snake and are easy to
distinguish from the other native species.
|
Adults emerge during March/April and mating takes place
in April/May. Females do not lay their eggs, instead
they incubate them internally. Spring is the most common
time of year for people or pets to be bitten by adders
as the snakes are sluggish and less able to escape
quickly. |
| Females 'give birth' to live young in late summer
(August/September).
Litters range from three to 20 and the young will stay
with the mother for a few days. Adders spend their time
in undisturbed habitats such as open woodland, moorland
and heathland and are rarely encountered in gardens,
though this depends on surrounding habitats. |
| Adders spend autumn preparing for hibernation.
Adults usually feed on small mammals and lizards (this
means their venom does not need to be particularly
potent). |
| The snakes hibernate between November and March. |
Persecution and loss of habitats (leading to the extinction or
isolation of populations).
Frequently asked questions about
snakes.
Check out our
adder gallery on Facebook.
|