Not quite garters, But they'll do!

[Natrix]

The first pick is I think an adult male?????? I've just found out it's Female "Females range from browns and yellows to brick red. Females are larger than Males. Males typically have a grey, creamy white or steely grey background colour." SORRY! My mistake. I knew it was somthing to do with the colour!!

[chris-uk]

Nice finds.

So, you picked up the slow worm for photos but not the adders?

[Natrix]

Nice finds.

So, you picked up the slow worm for photos but not the adders?

I not that stupid! I suppose they are handleable but I didn't want to risk it, being on my own and all. Would you?

[chris-uk]

I not that stupid! I suppose they are handleable but I didn't want to risk it, being on my own and all. Would you?

Of course, I'd do my best Irwin impression.
No, I think it's best to get a few good photos and let them go about their business. The times I've seen them I've been in the middle of the moors where a bite would mean a walk to the nearest road and then an hour to the nearest hospital. It's not going to be fatal, but could get uncomfortable.

[EasternGirl]

Joe would...but no, I wouldn't do it. Not unless I was trained in handling hots. It is just plain risky to pick up a venomous snake unless you are experienced in handling them. I sure would be tempted though!

[Stefan-A]

The first pick is I think an adult male?????? I've just found out it's Female "Females range from browns and yellows to brick red. Females are larger than Males. Males typically have a grey, creamy white or steely grey background colour." SORRY! My mistake. I knew it was somthing to do with the colour!!

Male or female?

[Natrix]

Good Morning Stefan, just watched the videos. Can I take it that this was a Finnish Adder? If things work the same as it does with Raptors, then generally speaking, the further north you go the larger and darker the specimens become. If this was a UK Adder then, just going off the colour I would say that it is Male, But it's size and bulk says, Female? You are much further north than we are and I know nothing about the colour variations that you have in Finland. Although the animal in the video appears to be dark Grey/Black and in the UK would suggest that it is Male as (males in the UK usually have a pale Grey/dark Grey background), This animals realatively bulky size is suggesting that it is Female. The first video goes to show just how successful these animals are. As far as I am aware no other reptile can tollorate such low temps that you get up there, The fact that there is snow on the ground is testement to that.. I am by no means an expert, Just an amature naturalist with an interest in Herpetology. I am sure that you will correct if I am wrong.

[Natrix]

Just found the Nature Photography thread again, I had forgotten about it, Maybe I should have posted these pics in there?

[Eight]

Nice adder pics, I love finding them. We have some down here in the new forest but its like looking for rocking horse poo. It always surprises me how small they are, but then again i've never come across a female

Thanks for sharing though