Adders are easily recognised by the black, zig-zag markings that run along their backs. Their eyes have slit like pupils and they have a V or X shape marking on their heads.
Females are larger than males and can grow up to 75 cm long.
Adders can be seen basking on heathland and grassland during warm spring days.
Adders do not lay eggs, but give birth in late summer to approximately eight live young. Adders are the only venomous snakes in the UK. They track their prey using their keen sense of smell and strike using their poisonous bite. The poison is injected into the prey and this paralyses the victim. The adder returns later to finish it off.
Carnivore: The main prey of adders is small mammals and other reptiles.
Adders rely on the heathland environment and any pressures on this environment can have an impact on their survival. Adders are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which means it is an offence to kill, harm or injure them.
Help to look after the heathland habitat by taking your litter home and prevent heathland fires by only using designated barbecue areas in the Forest.