FAQs about snakes: adders in the garden

Adders have a distinctive zigzag pattern (Fred Holmes)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... snakes:

I think I have adders in my garden, what shall I do?

Although sightings do occur, the vast majority of reports of adders in gardens turn out to be slow-worms or grass snakes. Look carefully for a yellow collar behind the head - if this is present, it's a (harmless) grass snake, not an adder.

If you are sure it is an adder, it is important to remember the following:

Adders only bite when threatened - most bites are accidental through the snake being aggressively disturbed or deliberately antagonised. When disturbed, adders normally just move on.

Adders do not form 'nests' - most live a solitary life moving between feeding areas in the summer months.

Snakes are very mobile and it is likely to be just passing through the garden.

Death from adder bite is extremely rare, there has not been a death in the UK for over thirty years. Their venom is for use on prey which is primarily small rodents, it is not designed to kill people.

If you think you have seen an adder in your garden it is advisable to:

Bring pets and children indoors (if the snake is still around), as they are the most at risk.

Allow the snake to move through the garden - carefully note patterns down the back or along the sides, the colour and size. Check identification again - it is much more likely to be a grass snake or slow-worm.

Know what to do in case of adder bite in the event of of future sightings.

Adders have undergone widespread declines in the last century, and they are now protected by law against intentional killing and injury. Removing adders from gardens is not necessarily a long-term solutions as other adders/snakes will likely be present in the area.

In some areas there may be a local reptile expert who is willing to provide you with further information on where adders are found locally - try contacting your local Amphibian and Reptile Group (ARG).

More information:

Identifying reptiles. >>>

What to do in case of adder bite. >>>

Dragons in your Garden. >>>

How can I get rid of snakes from my garden? >>>

ARG UK. >>>

Widespread Reptile Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). >>>