Adder

Adder (Vipera berus)



The adder, also known as the common viper, is the only venomous snake in northwest Europe. They are the widest distribute snake in the viper family. The adder can live in a wide range of habitats, including rocky slopes in the European Alps to the open tundra north of the Arctic Circle.

The adder varies in color from grey, brown, rust, or completely black. But almost all of them can be identified by a distinctive zig-zag line along their back. They have a flat head and a very thick body. They are 26-35 inches in length. Although they are mildly venomous. To a human, their bite can cause swelling and pain, but it's rarely fatal.

They primarily feed on small rodents and lizards. When adders aren't stalking their prey they are basking in the sun.The adders that live in the areas that have extreme winters, hibernate for up to 8 months. Then in the spring the snakes mate. Female adders breed once every 2 to 3 years. They produce a litter of up to 20 young that may be fathered by many different male adders.

The information provided above can be found in Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide To The World's Wildlife. If you have any questions concerning the Adder please post them in the comment section and I will do my best to answer them in a timely manner.