COMMON EUROPEAN ADDER (lat. Vipera berus)

The common adder is thick-bodied, slow snake, with short tail and oval, flat head. Its color is brown, it has a dark, curvy line along the back with spots on the flanks. Its belly goes from grey to black, with scattered white spots. It can grow up to 70 cm. As with other viperidae (vipers), it doesn’t chase its prey but waits for it to come to her and then attacks. Compared to the venom of larger snakes, the venom of the common adder, which is hemotoxic, is rarely a treat to humans. Deaths occur only when blood vessel is bitten.

MEADOW ADDER (lat. Vipera ursinii macrops)

Meadow adder is the smallest European viperidae (viper). Its average length is 45 cm. It lives in mountain areas, at more than 1,500 m altitude. It has a small head, the snout is not upturned, and its eyes are relatively large. Its basic color is grey or yellowish grey. Its back zigzag line is variable and often broken in irregular spots and/or transverse stripes. Its belly is light brown, dark brown or grey. In its basic color, it’s very similar to common adder. Its venom is weaker than the one from other European vipers. It can cause local pain and swelling with people. If people are sensitive, they can suffer from nausea and vomiting, but recovery is usually quick. No death has been recorded.