Adder (Vipera berus)

The Adder population in the Wyre Forest has declined considerably in recent years and these reptiles are no longer as common as they once were. They may occasionally be seen basking in the spring sunshine. The males emerge from hibernation in February and the females between 2 and 6 weeks later. Both sexes bask in preparation for combat and mating after the males have shed their skins in April or May. They feed during the summer, preying normally on voles and mice. They return to their hibernacula when the weather cools in autumn.

They can live for over 20 years. The females give birth to live young, between 3 and 12 in number in late summer or early autumn, although they do not breed every year. The adder is the UK’s only venomous snake, so they should not be approached.

Published 29th August 2011 at 8:27 pm