The adder is the only venomous snake that is native to the UK. The adder is common throughout mainland Britain and some of the islands off the west coast of Scotland.
Each year, approximately 100 cases of adder bites are reported in the UK. Most bites occur between February and October, with the number of bites peaking during the summer months.
Adders
Adders have a dark zigzag stripe down their back. They are quite short with large heads and their eyes are slanted rather than round. Males are usually grey with black markings and females are usually brown. However, some adders are silver, yellow or green.
Adders are not aggressive snakes, and they will only bite if they are disturbed. Most adder bites occur when someone tries to pick up the snake or when someone accidentally steps on one.
Although adder bites can be painful, they are rarely serious. For example, about 70% of adder bites only result in pain and swelling in the area of skin that was bitten. Since records began in 1876 there have only been 14 reported deaths caused by adder bites, with the last death occurring in 1975.
Exotic snakes in the UK
In addition to the adder, it is estimated that there are 75 species of exotic venomous snakes held in the UK, both legally and illegally, by private snake collectors and enthusiasts. These snakes are thought to be responsible for between five to six cases of snake bites in the UK each year. Most cases involve the snake's owner.
Snake bites in other countries
Globally, there are over 450 different species of venomous snakes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that worldwide there are five million cases of snake bites a year, resulting in 125,000 deaths. Agricultural workers in Africa and Asia are most at risk because they often disturb snakes when they are working in fields.
Parts of the world where cases of recorded snake bites are widespread include:
- Sub-Saharan Africa.
- China.
- India.
- Japan.
- Malaysia.
- Papua New Guinea.
- Brazil.
- Ecuador.
In terms of popular tourist destinations, snakes are found in certain areas of:
Prognosis
Most snake bite deaths occur in parts of the world where access to emergency medical services is limited or non-existent. In the developed world, emergency treatment with anti-venom medicine can usually successfully treat bites from even the most venomous of snakes.