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Snake or friend? Adders and aspid vipers are so dangerous!
Find out everything about the six snake species in Germany, how dangerous they are and how to deal with bites.
Snake or friend? Adders and aspid vipers are so dangerous!
Attention snake lovers and nature lovers! In Germany, a total of six species of snakes snake through the local areas, two of which - the aspis viper and the adder - are poisonous. An exciting tour of discovery through the world of reptiles awaits you.
The BR reports that the aspis viper is primarily native to the southern Black Forest, while the adder has a broader distribution. It clearly feels at home in northern German lowlands, low mountain ranges and alpine regions above the tree line and prefers heath and moorland landscapes, especially on the well-known Baltic Sea islands of Rügen and Hiddensee.
Uncommon dangers and how to protect yourself
An adder bite is usually not a problem for healthy adults. However, anyone who is weaker - children, older people or people with health problems - should be warned, as their lives can be seriously endangered by the poison. A look at the numbers shows that the last fatal incident in Bavaria was over 50 years ago. In 2004, an 82-year-old woman on Rügen died from an adder bite, but this was not due to the poison itself, but rather to an allergic reaction.
Again World describes in detail, allergic reactions to the venom of adders and aspis vipers are possible, especially in those allergic to bees and wasps. If respiratory problems arise due to an allergic reaction, the affected area should be cooled and medical attention sought immediately. Wounds should not be tied or sucked out, but should be disinfected and the injured part of the body should be kept calm.
The snake species at a glance
The six snake species in Germany, all of which are protected and only make up a small part of the approximately 3,000 snake species worldwide, are:
| Snake species | Poisonous? | length | Habitat | reproduction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adder (Vipera berus) | Yes | Up to 90cm | Humid habitats | 5-20 live young animals |
| Grass snake (Natrix natrix) | No | Up to 2 m | On bodies of water | 10-50 eggs |
| Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus) | No | Up to 2 m | Clear forests | 5-10 eggs |
| Aspis viper (Vipera aspis) | Yes | Up to 90cm | Southwest Woods | Live young animals |
| Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) | No | Up to 80cm | Dry areas | 3-15 live young animals |
| Dice snake (Natrix tessellata) | No | Up to 1 m | On bodies of water | 5-25 eggs |
The Snakes-in-Germany Page adds that among these species the aspis viper is particularly worth mentioning in view of its endangerment. It is threatened with extinction, as is the adder, which is critically endangered.
To keep contact with snakes as low as possible, it is recommended to wear sturdy shoes and long pants when going out into nature. If you encounter a snake, it is advisable to stop, watch it and back away carefully. You are also welcome to make friends with the slowworm, which is not a snake but is widespread.
Discover the fascinating world of snakes in Germany, but be careful and respectful! The wild inhabitants of nature are a beautiful, if sometimes challenging, experience for every nature lover.