Wildlife photographers, walkers, and nature enthusiasts have all encountered the elusive reptiles in various rural locations, especially during the warmer spring and summer months.
Adders are typically shy and reclusive, but warmer temperatures draw them out of hibernation to bask in the sun.
An adder in Rookhope, Weardale (Image: JAKE LAWSON) While they are venomous, experts and conservationists emphasise they pose little threat to humans if left undisturbed.
Where Have Adders Been Spotted?
Reports and photographic evidence show adders in numerous rural spots around County Durham and surrounding areas, including:
- Rookhope, Weardale – Spotted on May 1 by Jake Lawson, a member of the Northern Echo Camera Club.
- Fatfield, Gateshead – Wildlife enthusiast Robert Wells reported a sighting by a fishing pond.
- Derwent Reservoir, near Consett – Christopher Bennett captured an image of an adder basking in the heather.
- Durham Wildlife Trust, Rainton Meadows – Volunteer Malcolm Wilkinson regularly spots them while supporting habitat conservation.
- Pine Woods, Frosterley – An unfortunate encounter where a dog was bitten.
- Hamsterley Forest – Another dog, Dora the dachshund, was bitten after sniffing through grass on a trail.
Adder Characteristics and Behaviour
- Size & Appearance: Typically 50–80 cm long, adders are stocky with a distinctive zig-zag pattern on their backs. Some melanistic (black) variants also exist.
- Venom: While venomous, adder bites are rarely fatal. They can cause pain and swelling, especially dangerous to young children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
- Behaviour: Adders are non-aggressive by nature. Most bites happen when they are accidentally stepped on or picked up. They generally retreat quickly when approached.
Legal Protection and Conservation
Adders are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and listed as a priority species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Conservationists urge the public to avoid harming them and to report sightings to local wildlife groups to aid conservation efforts.
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Volunteers like Malcolm Wilkinson from the Durham Wildlife Trust work hard to preserve suitable habitats for these threatened reptiles and encourage respectful co-existence.
Advice for Walkers and Pet Owners
- Stay on paths and be cautious in sunny, grassy areas.
- Keep dogs on a lead in known adder habitats during spring and summer.
- Do not approach or attempt to handle snakes.
- If bitten, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.
