Adder/Viper (Vipera berus)
	Description	Britain's only venomous snake, the Adder is generally identified by its distinctive dark zigzag dorsal pattern and head pattern in the form of a V, X or H shape, although occasionally individuals may have a broad dorsal stripe instead. They are shorter and stockier than Grass Snakes (length: up to 65cm). Males: usually grey/buff with black markings; females and young, brown with dark brown pattern). They hibernate communally, often on a hillside, but may travel up to 1km away to their summer hunting grounds, before returning in late summer to give birth to live young and prepare for hibernation again. Adders are often associated with chalk grassland, preying on small rodents and reptiles, which they kill by injecting with venom. Adder bites to humans and pets are rarely fatal, although uncomfortable, and Adders are best left alone and unprovoked.
	Status
	Reserve	Does not occur here.
	Britain	Widespread and may be locally common. In Kent it's range is restricted to chalk downland and sandy outcrops.
	World	Found across Europe.