Poisenous Snakes In Britain

[Dollie]

am I right in thinking we only have the adder here in Britain which is poisenous. If so, where would we see them - when I was young my mum always said we shouldn't be worried because we are up north and all the snakes are down south where its a fraction warmer - is this true?

[Toureman]

Just google "Adder Snake" to find answers,

Pretty harmless really.

[Cetti]

I'm afraid your mum wasn't quite correct Dollie, as Adders are found all over the country. The only place that escapes them is Ireland - thanks to St Patrick!

I wouldn't worry too much as they are quite shy creatures and any sound will have them slithering away. The only time you might see them is during the spring and early summer when they come out of hiding to sunbathe and perform their mating dance ....and then only in woodland or areas of heathland. I've found a map of the UK which shows you exactly where they are to be found and you will see they are pretty widespread:

http://tinyurl.co.uk/3zdo

[Dollie]

Thankyou Toureman and Cetti for your answers - seems my mum was wrong !

[THECORBYLOON]

Come on now, mums are NEVER wrong, it's just that they're not always correct....................

[logman]

I think your mums parental advice was just to stop you from becomming paronoid, as we all know mums are never wrong!

The adder or viper is the only venomous snake in Britain. its not highly poisonous but can be a problem if someone who is bitten go's into shock, the young and elderly would be more vulnerable.

Its only localy common but is often confused with the more common grass snake. warning signs are usually in place in places where it is commonly found..

[danilee222]

We had a shetland pony in our back yard and half the yard was fenced off and full on soil, old tree branches, weeds just the normal growing things that had been there for about 3 years. My dad wanted more space for the pony so he hired a skip and started clearing the back yard...(I was helping) (well pretending to) and this big snake goes slithering past me (a blackish white colour) we jus froze an then it slithered away (quite fast) so we left the work for the day (my excuse) hehe!!

[Dollie]

Danilee - thats interesting - which part of the country do you live in please?