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South Wales Guardian
18-06-2025
- Science
- South Wales Guardian
Rare venomous black adder spotted in the UK
There are three snake species native to the UK, with the adder being the only venomous one. Adders, which can grow up to 80cm in length, are recognisable due to their "distinctive" zig-zag pattern and "striking" red eyes and can be found across the country. Usually they are "greyish" in colour, The Wildlife Trusts explains. However, Black (melanistic) forms are sometimes spotted in the UK. A walker in Dartmoor experienced a "surreal" moment recently when he stumbled across a "rare" black adder. Posting a picture on the Facebook page Dartmoor Public Group, the person said: "A surreal moment to stumble upon a gorgeous melanistic (black) adder this afternoon. "These are rare, and this is only the second one I've ever seen, but most people have probably not encountered an adder of this colour shade before... so I am lucky to have now seen two up to this date." Adders are the only venomous snake species native to the UK. (Image: Getty Images) An adder bite can be "painful" and cause inflammation, BBC Countryfile explains. The wildlife experts added: "But [it] is really only dangerous to the very young, ill or old." Other symptoms of an adder bite can include: Adders are described as being "very shy" and in most cases they will hide when they hear people approaching. BBC Countryfile said: "They tend to bite only when stepped on, or if panicked at close range." RECOMMENDED READING: How to tell the difference between adders, grass snakes and smooth snakes? Where to find snakes in the UK including the venomous Adder and rare Smooth Snake The 'adaptable' snake that is the UK's longest and can swim underwater 'Shy and incredibly scarce' snake that is rarest in the UK and where to find it While not typically life-threatening, there have been 55 fatalities attributed to adder bites in the UK since 1722, according to the Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group. The most recent death from an adder bite was recorded in June 1975 in Trussachs, Perthshire (Scotland).
South Wales Argus
18-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Rare venomous black adder spotted in the UK
There are three snake species native to the UK, with the adder being the only venomous one. Adders, which can grow up to 80cm in length, are recognisable due to their "distinctive" zig-zag pattern and "striking" red eyes and can be found across the country. Usually they are "greyish" in colour, The Wildlife Trusts explains. However, Black (melanistic) forms are sometimes spotted in the UK. Native wild animals in the UK 'Rare' black adder spotted in the UK A walker in Dartmoor experienced a "surreal" moment recently when he stumbled across a "rare" black adder. Posting a picture on the Facebook page Dartmoor Public Group, the person said: "A surreal moment to stumble upon a gorgeous melanistic (black) adder this afternoon. "These are rare, and this is only the second one I've ever seen, but most people have probably not encountered an adder of this colour shade before... so I am lucky to have now seen two up to this date." Adders are the only venomous snake species native to the UK. (Image: Getty Images) Are adders dangerous? An adder bite can be "painful" and cause inflammation, BBC Countryfile explains. The wildlife experts added: "But [it] is really only dangerous to the very young, ill or old." Other symptoms of an adder bite can include: Bruising Tingling Nausea Vomiting Adders are described as being "very shy" and in most cases they will hide when they hear people approaching. BBC Countryfile said: "They tend to bite only when stepped on, or if panicked at close range." RECOMMENDED READING: How many people have died from adder bites in the UK? While not typically life-threatening, there have been 55 fatalities attributed to adder bites in the UK since 1722, according to the Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group. The most recent death from an adder bite was recorded in June 1975 in Trussachs, Perthshire (Scotland).
