Venomous Animals in Germany

European Adder

• Habitat: Heaths, forest edges, coniferous forests, moors
• Distribution: The flatlands of Northern Germany, the Black Forest, Swabian Alps, Bavarian Forest, the Alps
• Size: Up to 28 inches (70 cm)
• Characteristics: Flat snout, head not much wider than body

The European adder is also a snake in the viper family. It are very shy and mostly slither away before you can see it. It only bites if someone touches them or steps on it.

Its venom is considerably stronger than that of the notorious diamondback rattlesnake, but it doesn’t have a lot of it. If a person is bitten, the wound will swell up and they will struggle to breathe and will experience heart problems. It can also cause paralysis. You would definitely need to see a doctor.

European Adder - Photo: Matteo photos/Shutterstock

• Table of contents
• 0. Introduction
• 1. Asp Viper
• 2. European Adder
• 3. European Garden Spider
• 4. Yellow Sac Spider
• 5. Fire Salamander