In Search of Adder's (Vipera berus)

The adder is the only venomous snake species we have here in the uk, most often found on heaths, moors and coastal areas and here in the Peak District I’m very lucky in having a reasonable population right on my doorstep.

Its secretive nature and camouflaged markings mean it often goes unnoticed and believe me after countless hours spent searching for them they are far from easy to find without doing some extensive homework, research into their habits and some great advice from a couple of close friends who are far more knowledgeable when it comes to these gorgeous creatures ( thanks guys you know who you are )but effort equals reward and when you do finally get your eye in and you find your very first Adder the feeling is euphoric, well it was for me anyway !!! However I have to say that when you do see your first adder the size they are will shock you, they are tiny they really are.

And so given they’re size it’s no wonder that they can be so difficult to locate especially when you add their unique camouflage, that really does help them disappear in plain site when basking amongst the heather and bracken as they soak up the sun to get those all important UV rays that being cold blooded they need to operate especially at this time of the year when they are just emerging from hibernation and getting ready to mate with the females that will emerge a little later.

Mating takes place in April/May and female adders incubate their eggs internally, rather than laying shelled eggs (which the grass snake does). Adders give birth to around 6 to 20 live young in August or September. Adders feed largely on small rodents and lizards. They hibernate from around October to February, depending on local conditions. Adders typically live to 5-10 years. Their main predators include birds such as crows and buzzards.

Whilst the Adder has a large range across the UK, recent declines especially in central England, mean it is of major conservation concern.

Sadly there is a lot of nonsense spoken about Adders that gives them a bad reputation but nothing could be further from the truth, although potentially serious, adder bites to humans or dogs are very rarely fatal, most bites occur when the snake has been disturbed or accidentally stood on, but more often they will head for cover without you being aware of their presence, so a very slow and methodical approach and a great deal of respect as in keeping your distance is required to be able to photograph these fabulous animals, to be honest for any wildlife photographer worth his salt this should be second nature regardless of subject, get it right and the images speak for themselves. I’ve got a few more weeks to spend a little more time with the Adder before another favourite of mine will become my priority the Cuckoo, so watch this space.