9 Viper Snake Species That Cause A Nasty Bite

Viper snakes are some of the most fascinating and misunderstood reptiles in the world. Known for their distinctive patterns and poisonous bitesAdders belong to the viper family and are native to various parts of Europe, Asia and Africa.

The European viper in particular is known as the only poisonous snake found in much of Northern Europe. Despite their fearsome reputation, vipers are generally shy and avoid human contact whenever possible.

Viper populations play a crucial role in their ecosystems, helping to control populations of small mammals and other prey species. Join us as we explore nine different species of viper snakes, their unique characteristics and the behaviors that make them such interesting members of the viper family.

1. Mountain viper

The Mountain Adder (Bitis atropos) is a small, venomous viper species native to the mountainous regions of southern Africa. This snake has a distinctive pattern of gray or brown bands that help it blend in with rocky terrain.

Despite its small size, the Mountain Adder’s venom is neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system and potentially causing serious symptoms in humans. Like other vipers, the Mountain Adder is generally shy and withdrawn, preferring to avoid contact with humans where possible.

2. Common adder

The common viper, also known as the northern viper, is another name often used to refer to the European viper (Vipera berus). It is the most common viper snake and lives in much of Europe and into Asia. It is the only native venomous snake found in much of northern Europe, including Britain and Scandinavia.

These vipers are known for their distinctive zigzag or apparent dorsal pattern running down their back, which can range in color from dark brown to black. The snake thrives in a variety of habitats, from forests to heathlands, where they prey on small mammals, birds and amphibians.

Adders hibernate during the winter and emerge in the spring, where males perform a dramatic viper dance to compete for females. Adder bites are rare and usually occur when hikers accidentally stepping on or threatening the snake. Although a common viper bite is still serious, it is rarely fatal to humans.

3. Death Adder

The death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) is native to Australia and is one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Unlike most vipers, the death adder has a short, stocky body and a broad, triangular head.

It is an ambush predator, often lying in wait for its prey to come close before striking with lightning speed. The death adder’s venom is highly poisonous and can cause paralysis or even death if left untreated. However, it is important to note that this snake only bites when threatened or provoked.

4. Field adder

The threatened field adder (Vipera ursinii) lives in open, grassy areas, although some people also use the name “field viper” to refer to the common European viper when it lives in fields, meadows and forest edges. Fittingly enough, another common name for this species of snake is meadow viper.

The field viper’s patterns allow it to blend in with its surroundings, making it difficult for predators and humans to spot. Like other viper species, field vipers hibernate during the colder months and are most active during the warmer seasons.

5. Gabon viper

The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica), also known as the Gaboon viper, is one of the largest and heaviest vipers in the world (18 pounds or 8 kg), living in the rainforests and savannas of central and western Africa.

This snake is known for its long teeth and high venom yield, but is generally docile and rarely bites unless provoked.

The Gaboon viper has a striking pattern of brown, purple and white, which provides excellent camouflage in the leaf litter of the forest floor. Despite its fearsome appearance, the Gaboon viper plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations in its native habitat.

6. Horned viper

The horned viper (Bitis caudalis), also known as the horned viper, is native to the arid areas of southern Africa. It is easily recognized by the small, horny scales above its eyes, giving it a menacing appearance.

This small, venomous snake relies on its camouflage to ambush prey, usually small mammals, and birds. The horned viper’s venom is cytotoxic, meaning it attacks the blood and tissues of its prey and causes pain, but it is not considered very dangerous to humans.

7. Puff Pastry Viper

The puff pastry (Bitis arietans) is one of Africa’s most dangerous and widespread venomous snakes, known for its powerful venom aggressive nature when threatened. The thickly built snake has a distinctive pattern of light and dark bands that help it blend in with its surroundings.

This species of snake is responsible for many viper bites in Africa, usually as a result of chance encounters. Despite their fearsome reputation, puff adder populations play an important role in controlling local populations of small mammals and other prey.

8. Red viper

The Red Adder (Bitis rubida) is a small, venomous snake species native to the semi-arid regions of South Africa. This viper has a reddish-brown color that makes it blend in with the sandy soil of its habitat.

Despite its small size, the red viper is an expert hunter of small mammals and other prey, using its venom to quickly suppress its catches. It tends to hide under rocks and other low coverage, and is most active in the early morning and late afternoon.

9. Sand adder

The sand viper (Vipera ammodytes), also known as the sand viper or horned viper, is native to southern Europe, mainly in Italy, Turkey and the Balkans. It is recognizable by the horn-like bump on its snout and is known for its powerful venom, which is very dangerous to humans.

The sand viper often lives in rocky sandy areas, where its color blends in with the environment. Males have a dark black, gray or brown color on their heads and a distinctive V-shaped mark; females have a similar coloration but lack the V-shaped mark.

We created this article using AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Original article: 9 Viper Snake Species That Cause a Nasty Bite