Did you know? Adders are venomous but not aggressive. Human deaths from adder bites are extremely rare.
What to do if you see an adder?
2 Adders can grow up to 75cm in length and have a dark zigzag pattern down their backs. “If you see one, stay still and then back off,” Eddleston advises. Like most animals, they only attack humans when they feel threatened.
Can an adder hurt you?
However, adder bites are potentially very serious and should not be under-estimated. In a small proportion of cases, adder bite can lead to severe effects requiring extensive hospital treatment. Although exceedingly unlikely, adder bite can be fatal.
Are adders friendly?
Though they are venomous, they are not aggressive, and when threatened only use their venom as a last resort. Humans are most likely to be bitten if they step on or try to pick up an adder.
What happens if an adder bites you?
The symptoms will often develop rapidly (within 1-2 hours), frequently starting with systemic effects such as dizziness, fainting and/or difficulty breathing. Gradually, you may see a severe local reaction develop, with swelling and discolouration of the skin around the bite.
Do adders chase you?
An adder won’t chase you – there are stories, perhaps fanciful, of black mambas in Africa pursuing people, but the adder is not like this. It is not an aggressive snake, but quite shy and reclusive.
What time of year are adders most active?
Adders are generally more active in the spring and early summer; having just come out of hibernation, their venom is more potent. At this time, they are also hungrier and more likely to bite.
What happens if a UK adder bites you?
That said if an adder injects venom when it bites, it can cause serious symptoms including: pain, redness and swelling in the area of the bite. nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. dizziness and fainting.
What should I do if I encounter an adder UK?
If you do see one, stay calm, keep your distance and let it move away in it’s own time. Often its dogs that disturb Adders, and bites can be quite dangerous for smaller dogs, but much less so for humans. Adders may strike if cornered or harassed.
How many deaths from adder bites UK?
14 people have died from adder bites in the past 145 years. There have been (only) 14 recorded human deaths from adder bites since 1876, the last being in 1975.
What time of day do adders come out?
afternoon
Adder season can usually be classed as any time between April and September and most commonly in the afternoon when the adders are most active and out basking in the sunshine.
What month do adders come out?
Puppies and young dogs can be especially curious and can unintentionally provoke an adder into biting. The majority of bites in dogs seem to occur between April and July, most commonly in the afternoon when the adders are most active.
What eats an adder?
Adders are mostly predated on by birds including birds of prey and some members of the crow family. Other predators include Smooth Snakes, Badgers and Foxes.
Should you go to hospital for an adder bite?
Very rarely do people have severe reactions to the venom but it’s always best to seek medical help if you’re bitten. Adders usually like to bask in the sun on rocks and will be more surprised to see you than you are of it. If you do see one, stay calm, keep your distance and let it move away in it’s own time.
Does an adder bite bleed?
Severe swelling around the site of the wound. Visible pain. Bleeding or bruising. Inflammation from the spread of venom.
Where are adders most common in UK?
The adder is one of our three native snake species, most often found on heaths, moors and coastal areas.
Can adders climb walls?
The most unlikely climbers are the adder family but if they need to climb, they can and will, even up the wall after food, if they can get a grip.
Can dogs smell adders?
Jackals, wild dogs, hyenas, mongooses, genets and so on should all be able to sniff out puff adders with ease. But they can’t.
What animal kills adders?
Surprisingly, adders are mainly predated on by birds such as corvids, birds of prey (like the buzzard) and pheasants. The smooth snake feeds primarily on other reptiles and so adders are sometimes on the menu. Other predators include mammals such as badgers, foxes and feral cats.
Are adders scared of dogs?
They are secretive, shy snakes, preferring to avoid humans and dogs. These snakes vary in colour from silver-grey to reddish-brown and have a distinctive zig-zag pattern down their backs and red eyes. Adults can measure 60–80cm in length and weigh between 50–100g.
Do adders climb?
In some areas (such as Cannock Chase and Hopwas Woods) they can be found basking in trees and children have been bitten while climbing. The Adder is both a capable climber and strong swimmer.