Adder and Aspis viper: Be careful, these snakes are lurking in Germany!

Adder and Aspis viper: Be careful, these snakes are lurking in Germany!

The snake species in Germany are an exciting topic that excites not only biologists but also nature lovers. Currently only two of six species of snakes found in this country have deadly venom: the adder and the aspis viper. The latter can only be found in the southern Black Forest, while the adder is widespread in many regions. It enjoys a special habitat in heath and moorland landscapes, especially on the picturesque Baltic Sea islands of Rügen and Hiddensee. The Magazine BR reports that adder bites are typically unproblematic for healthy adults, while children, the elderly, or the sick should exercise particular caution. For them, the poison can trigger life-threatening allergies.

A bite can have far-reaching consequences, even if deaths from adder bites are extremely rare. The last confirmed fatal incident was over 50 years ago! In 2004, an 82-year-old woman died on Rügen, not directly because of the poison, but because of an allergic reaction. The world informs that allergy sufferers, especially those with bee or wasp allergies, can react particularly to the venom of the adder or aspis viper. In such emergencies, a quick response is required: stay calm, call emergency services and try to identify the snake. The affected body part should be kept still and disinfected.

Adder vs. Aspis Viper

But what about the aspis viper? This snake has a stronger venom than the adder. A bite can also cause painful swelling and can result in shortness of breath or heart problems. In such a case, the treating doctor will have to immediately provide a serum to alleviate the symptoms. It is worth noting that a tragic incident in 2013 claimed the life of a man after he was bitten multiple times by an aspis viper - despite medical attention.

The aspis viper and the adder, both of which are protected, are particularly at risk. The aspis viper is threatened with extinction, while the adder is considered critically endangered. Snakes in Germany notes that not only venomous snakes are at risk, but also many non-venomous snakes, such as the grass snake, which lives everywhere in bodies of water, or the non-venomous smooth snake, which prefers to stay in sunny ostrich fields.

Handle snake encounters safely

To prevent snakebites, it is recommended to wear sturdy shoes and long pants and to remain calm when seeing a snake. Retreating to a safe distance is the best solution when confronted with a snake. The slowworm, which is often mistakenly classified as a snake, is a legless lizard. Its habitat is moist, shady places where it gives birth to live offspring.

Raising your senses about native snakes can not only provide exciting encounters with nature, but also raise awareness about protecting our native species. At a time when many animal species are threatened with extinction, understanding their habitats and behavior is more important than ever.