The Highland Hiss: Encounters with Adders
Donald introduces you to Scotland's only venomous snake
I once picked up a European Adder Vipera berus, it was only about 15cm long, but its jaws still immediately flew open in self-defence, it couldn’t get me, I guess I was fortunate. It was probably newly born of its viviparous mother [more correctly ovoviviparous – but it’s a clumsy word] and its siblings could not be far off but I didn’t find them.
Look but don’t touch
Obviously common sense tells you not to pick up an adder but this one was so beautiful and small that I could not resist a closer look. Do not do what I did as even the small ones may carry venom although I doubt if the wee fangs would penetrate far and sometimes it’s a “dry” bite anyway – but don’t risk it! A snake bite in the remote hills could prove very awkward and uncomfortable especially so for the very young or elderly.
Some might say that we are fortunate that there do not appear to be high densities of adders in the north, in all my travels on the hill [and by rivers] over the years I have only come across adders a handful of times, mostly around Kylestrome for some reason. There is a stretch of track there I have nicknamed reptile road as I have come across adders, slow worms and lizards on numerous visits to the site.
Cape Wrath bites back
I have heard reports of them from other places, for instance on the Cape Wrath area [mini-bus running over one, peat stack infested with them], Loch Hope side by Arnaboll [many serpents there], the Strath Chailleach bothy near Sandwood Bay [mentions in the log book] and near Scourie but have never encountered any in these places. It is always a surprise to come across one and I admit to reacting with an initial alarmed start before relaxing and enjoying the meeting, the snake probably does not share mutual admiration.
My early encounters
The first I ever came across was during my young years on an Autumn holiday in the Scottish borders whilst we were walking through a plantation fire break and about to jump up on a large boulder. Mid jump I spied the adder basking on the rock, the jump magically increased, and I flew over adder and stone, landing at a run and kept on running with my brother hard at my heels, half a mile later we presumed ourselves safe. Perthshire was also a good region to find them; I came upon them more there than anywhere else while out walking, around Pitlochry and Blair Atholl.
My own most recent encounter was during a guided walk out to Glen Dubh near Kylesku, we were walking and blethering along the track not paying too much attention to our surroundings when my companion suddenly grabbed my arm and stopped us, half a metre away in the middle of the path was an adder, a dark one, not big, maybe 35cm long, lying peacefully enjoying the warm sun. We backed off; I did not want to disturb it. It raised its head sensing in our direction, you could almost hear its thoughts – “oh bother, boring people I’m going to have to move before they stand on me”, then he [probably male as most females are brownish] slowly slithered off as snakes do, into a cool damp ditch thick with heather.
Populations in Scotland
The general distribution appears widespread across the country excepting Shetland, Orkney and Lewis & Harris unless it’s just that no one has recorded them, plus of course St Patrick banished them from Ireland. Most people will chance upon them lying soaking up the sunshine, especially on a warm spring morning if recently arisen from hibernation [the snake not the person].
There are reports of hibernacula being disturbed and numerous snakes found therein, one gruesome tale mentioned a hunter killing 20 with one shot; that was “the old days” adders are now protected by law but are becoming rare in many localities.
I do not know of many records for the sizes of Highland adders but I’m presuming that this one was below average length, possibly a youngster, 65cm long seems an average but up to 90cm in England with a weight from 50 – 180g with the female heavier and longer. The length of lifespan is variable and debated, anything from 8 to 20 years is given and the number of young from 5 up to 20 from various sources.
As we continue to observe and study these creatures, it becomes evident that they are not only an integral part of Scotland's natural heritage but also a species that demands respect and conservation efforts. Their presence, basking in the sun or hidden in hibernacula, is a reminder of the delicate balance in our ecosystems and the continuous need to understand and protect wildlife in all its forms.
Donald Mitchell is a High Life Highland Countryside Ranger, a keen observer of nature and wildlife, he dedicates his time to documenting and sharing insights about the natural habitats in North West Sutherland. With a particular interest in marine life, he aims to help others gain a deeper understanding and respect for the delicate balance of our ecosystem.
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UPDATE! A Gneiss Walk!
Date: January 25th Area: North west Sutherland
Scourie coast, guided walk. A gneiss walk with garnets and dikes.
Time: 10:30 – 12:30
Take a leisurely coastal walk with Ranger Donald Mitchell around Scourie Bay looking at the ancient gneiss rocks, the oldest in the UK. Taking in the views, breathing the fresh sea air, and looking for the signs of otters. About 2 hours, dress warmly. Meeting place given out on booking.
Read Donald Article on the North West Rocks here: