One of our three native snakes, the adder is the UK’s only venomous snake.  However, they are not aggressive and no one has died from an adder bite in the UK for at least 20 years.

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Threats to the adder

Young adders and even occasionally adult snakes are vulnerable to being eaten by birds like crows and buzzards.  They can also be eaten whilst in hibernation by rodents. Adders are protected by law in the UK against being killed,  injured or traded by humans.

In October 2016, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) led "Vanishing Vipers", the first ever national conference dedicated only to adders. This provided information to people about how to protect adder hibernation sites and to give tips on managing adder habitats. 

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