What is a Puff Adder?

A puff adder is a large, heavy-bodied viper found in most parts of Africa, except some of the coastal regions. It is of the species Bitis arietans, getting its common name as it hisses or puffs out air when it's startled. The snake may move slowly at most times, but when it's touched in any way it usually strikes very quickly.

Most deaths due to snakebite in Africa are caused by the puff adder. This venomous snake is not aggressive unless provoked, but it tends to inhabit footpaths and areas where humans are likely to step on them by accident. The snake's strike can be so fast that the victim has no time to jump back out of the way. It especially likes to travel on foot paths at night.

The adder doesn't always coil before it strikes, and it usually doesn't even look like it will strike, when suddenly it does in a fast and fierce manner. The puff adder has a solenoglyphous venom delivery system, which means that the venom is delivered into the victim through hollow, hinged fangs. These snakes are known to give a painful bite that causes extreme swelling, and one bite can be fatal. Tissue death, also called necrosis, is common, and if not treated properly, can lead to death.

Most puff adder females have about 20 to 40 live young per litter, but others have set records with litters up to 156 live young. The snakes are born capable of killing. Puff adders are recognizable by their V-shaped markings on background colors with shades of yellow, brown and orange. They adapt well to both the desert and milder, rainy climates.

The Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) is a venomous snake native to Africa and parts of the Middle East. It thrives in a variety of habitats, from savannas and grasslands to forests and even semi-deserts. Known for its distinctive hissing sound when threatened, the Puff Adder is one of the most widespread and commonly encountered snakes on the African continent.

The Puff Adder is highly venomous, with a cytotoxic venom that destroys tissue and causes swelling, pain, and potentially severe systemic effects. According to the African Snakebite Institute, Puff Adder bites are responsible for more fatalities in Africa than any other snake, largely due to their prevalence and potent venom.

A Puff Adder has a distinctive heavy-bodied appearance with a broad, flat head and a thick body tapering towards the tail. Its coloration is usually a mix of browns, yellows, and greys with a series of chevron-like patterns along its back. This camouflage helps it blend into its surroundings, making it less visible to both prey and predators.

In the wild, Puff Adders are known for their ambush hunting tactics, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey. They are generally sluggish and rely on their excellent camouflage to avoid detection. When threatened, they will puff up their bodies and emit a loud hiss as a warning before striking with remarkable speed.

If you encounter a Puff Adder, it's crucial to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Slowly back away from the snake, giving it plenty of space to retreat. Never attempt to handle or provoke the snake, as this increases the risk of a bite. In areas where Puff Adders are common, always be vigilant and wear protective footwear when walking through their habitats.

Puff Adders are not currently listed as endangered; they are relatively common throughout their range. However, like many snake species, they face threats from habitat destruction and persecution. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and public education to reduce human-snake conflicts and ensure the Puff Adder's continued survival in the wild.