I had been wondering how long it would be before I encountered one of the Adders that frequent RSPB Minsmere, and thanks to the warm sunny conditions last weekend, I was able to take these photographs. My instinctive reaction was to jump, and then to warn David to keep a sensible distance away. At that point we watched the snake together. I got out my camera and took these shots, using my zoom lens, before the reptile slithered off into the shade of the undergrowth.
Adders are a protected species under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act. They are protected from being taken from the wild, from being killed and from being sold. These snakes do not bite unless startled or provoked. About 100 people receive an adder bite in the UK each year. Immediate medical attention must be sought in the case of such an eventuality.
I have recorded the sighting here on the 'Add an Adder' section of The Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust, for the purposes of monitoring and conservation.
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| Forked tongue (and red iris) |
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| A veritable snake in the grass . . . |
5 comments:
Great sighting, as long as you keep your distance. Awesome photos!
Fabulous Caroline. I haven't seen one up here yet but there have been a few bits on Bodmin Moor apparently. I didn't know about add an Adder but if I do see one, I'll make sure I go there. Saw a lizard a couple of days ago but just the one so far this year which is a bit worrying.
Wow...great shots! Glad you kept your distance!
lovely photos, I so rarely see snakes...
Fantastic photos Caroline. I once saw an Adder on a hot day on the moors in Cumbria. I was only thinking yesterday that I was sure there's be Adders about at Minsmere in the hot weather.
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