Adder

Adders live in the lowlands as well as in the high mountains up to altitudes of 3000 metres. A real challenge for a heat-loving reptile! The adder is stocky, the head is only slightly separated from the body. However, the slit-shaped, vertical pupils are typical of vipers. Adaptations to their cool habitats are the often dark colouring (hell viper), the ribs that can be spread apart in order to absorb more heat from the sun, and ovoviviparity. This means that adders are "viviparous". The females incubate the eggs in their bodies and the young vipers are born at the end of August - October. With the first frosts, the adders crawl into hiding and fall into a cold torpor lasting up to 8 months during the winter. Adders are shy and only bite when extremely threatened. Although their bite is painful, it is hardly life-threatening for a healthy adult. Their venom can be more dangerous for allergy sufferers, children or the elderly.