Melanistic Adder & Companion (Vipera berus) 2023-03-25. Parc Slip, Aberkenfig, South Wales.
Captured from a distance of about 3.75 metres using the camera's zoom and left undisturbed.
Also a bit of post processing and cropping.
The only venomous snake native to the United Kingdom. It is relatively a common reptile but the threat to its habitat has contributed to a decline in recent years.
It is difficult to find, quite shy, not aggressive and will move away if approached. It will only bite if provoked, accidentally stepped on or handled. It is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Its diet includes mice, voles, lizards, frogs and sometimes small birds and chicks.
It is also vulnerable to predators such as birds of prey, especially when young.
Melanistic Adder & Companion (Vipera berus) 2023-03-25. Parc Slip, Aberkenfig, South Wales.
Captured from a distance of about 3.75 metres using the camera's zoom and left undisturbed.
Also a bit of post processing and cropping.
The only venomous snake native to the United Kingdom. It is relatively a common reptile but the threat to its habitat has contributed to a decline in recent years.
It is difficult to find, quite shy, not aggressive and will move away if approached. It will only bite if provoked, accidentally stepped on or handled. It is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Its diet includes mice, voles, lizards, frogs and sometimes small birds and chicks.
It is also vulnerable to predators such as birds of prey, especially when young.