How dangerous is an adder bite?

An adder bite is painful and requires medical attention, but it's extremely unlikely to be life-threatening for a healthy adult. There have been only 14 recorded deaths in the UK since 1876, with the last one in 1975. You'll be sore and swollen, but you'll almost certainly be fine with proper medical care.

Will adders chase you or attack unprovoked?

No, adders absolutely do not chase people or attack unprovoked. They're shy and will do everything possible to avoid you, usually detecting your footsteps and disappearing before you even see them. They only bite when stepped on or when someone tries to pick them up.

How do I identify an adder?

Adders are short, stocky snakes (60-70cm long) with a distinctive dark zigzag pattern down their backs and vertical pupils like a cat. Males are typically grey or cream with black markings, while females are brown with darker brown zigzags.

Common Hazards

Adders: Should You Be Worried?

Britain's only venomous snake is shy, slow and bites only when stepped on or grabbed. Adder bites are painful and require medical attention, but they're rarely dangerous to healthy adults—the actual risk is vastly smaller than the instinctive fear suggests.

29 July 20269 min read