Wildlife Welfare

Wild Adder: Persecution and Conservation

Addressing the illegal persecution of adders and supporting this iconic reptile's welfare.

Key Facts

Adders are the UK's only venomous snake and are legally fully protected since 1981
Despite protection, adders are frequently killed due to fear or misidentification
Adder populations have declined by an estimated 50% in the UK in the past 30 years
Habitat management - maintaining heathland and grassland edge habitats - is the most important conservation action

Welfare Considerations

Deliberate killing of adders represents direct welfare harm to protected animals. Alongside persecution, habitat degradation causes chronic welfare compromise through reduced prey availability and loss of thermoregulation sites. Education and enforcement are equally needed.

What You Can Do

Never kill or disturb an adder - they are legally protected and pose minimal risk if left alone
Report adder persecution to local police and wildlife crime officers
Support heathland conservation organisations that maintain adder habitat