Photographing Adders (Vipera berus)

Adders will only use their venom as a last means of defence

The adder is not an aggressive snake, but is the only venomous snake native to Britain.

An Adders bite is extremely rare and is likely to have occurred due to self defence, such as being trodden on. If left alone they will gently go about there business bathing in brambles and woodland habitat.

I took these pictures of male Adders in the spring. I love the distinctive zigzag markings run down the length of the spine. Respect is needed when photographing Adders, trying not to disturb them and being considerate to their environment.

A few facts…

• Size – Females can grow up to 80cm and are generally larger than the males by approximately 20cm.
• Diet – Adders feed on small rodents and amphibians such as frogs and newts.
• Bites – The New Forest National Park states that there are around 100 Adder bites per year, most of which are due to people trying to pick up the venomous snakes.

Adders – UK Wildlife

Adders – UK Wildlife

Adders – UK Wildlife

Adders – UK Wildlife

slow worms

I also photographed a group of slow worms nestled away in a hidden crevasse.