The Adder is quite a small snake with a length of around sixty centimetres and is one of three snakes found in England. The other two snakes are the Grass Snake and the Smooth Snake. It can be found throughout the country on heaths, moors, open woodlands and in rough grassland.

The Adder can easily be recognised because it has a brown or black zigzag pattern running down the length of its back. Another noticeable feature of the Adder is a ‘V’ shaped marking on the back of its head. The Adder, unlike the two other native snakes, is known as a viper because it is a venomous. It has hollow fangs which poison runs through when it wants to kill an animal.

The Adder is very a secretive reptile that likes to hide in holes, crevices and burrows made by other animals. Like all reptiles, Adders are cold-blooded which means they need the heat of the sun to make them more active. Adders also hibernate and often shed their skins soon after they have emerged from hibernation. These skins can sometimes be found on country walks.