Common European Adder 

Sweden’s only venomous snake

Early in the spring the adders leave their winter nests. They lie down and bask in the sun to warm up.

The adder is Sweden’s only venomous snake. It is a myth that young adders are more venomous than the adults. On average one person dies every eight years from an adder bite. Wasp stings kill one person a year in Sweden. 

The adder is a useful animal that keeps the population of voles and mice under control. The snakes only use their famous bite to defend themselves.

How dangerous is an adder bite?

The adder’s venom is there to kill prey and help to break down the food. An adder bite is rarely life threatening to an adult human unless he or she is oversensitive. Reactions to an adder bite can include swelling, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure.

If you are bitten, lie still. Keep the bitten part of your body elevated. Contact the poison control centre or a physician.