Species guide
European adder
VenomousVipera berus
How to recognise it
A stout snake (~60 cm) with a bold dark zigzag stripe down the back and vertical (cat-like) pupils. Britain's and much of Europe's only native venomous snake.
Is it dangerous?
Venomous. Bites are painful and need medical attention but are rarely fatal, and it only strikes when trodden on, cornered, or handled.
Commonly confused with
- Grass snake — no zigzag, round pupils, often a yellow collar — harmless
What to do
Back away and never handle it. Seek medical care promptly if bitten, and keep the bitten limb still.
Recorded 135,337 times in the wild worldwide.
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