Wild Animal Welfare: Adder Conservation and Welfare

Adders are Britain's only venomous snake and one of its most declining reptiles. Understanding their welfare and conservation needs is essential for protecting this species.

Key Facts

Adder populations have declined by 90% in some regions of Britain over the past 60 years
Habitat loss - particularly the loss of heathland and woodland edge habitat - is the primary driver of decline
Adders are legally protected from killing, injuring, or selling under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Illegal persecution - killing by people who fear them - remains a significant welfare threat
Adders rarely bite unless directly threatened; their venom is rarely fatal in healthy adults
Adder population monitoring shows dramatic losses in southern England where development has fragmented habitat

Welfare Considerations

Adder welfare suffers disproportionately from human fear and misunderstanding. Adders killed by people who encounter them suffer an entirely avoidable welfare harm driven by unnecessary fear. In reality, adders are shy animals that will retreat if given the opportunity; the majority of bites occur when adders are accidentally stepped on or deliberately handled. Conservation of adder populations - through heathland restoration, habitat connectivity, and public education - directly benefits the welfare of a declining, legally protected species. Individual adders that are encountered should be left alone and allowed to move away; photographed rather than harmed; and their location recorded for national monitoring schemes.

What You Can Do

Report adder sightings to the National Reptile and Amphibian Recording Scheme
Support heathland and grassland restoration through Wildlife Trust donations
Never kill an adder - it is illegal and the animal is not a threat if left alone
Share accurate information about adder behaviour to reduce fear-driven persecution
Advocate for habitat connectivity planning that maintains viable adder populations