European Viper: Vipera berus

A Friendly Viper?

The European Viper, (Vipera berus) is also known as the European Adder, the Common Adder, and the Common Viper.  This species is found throughout most of Europe and a large part of Asia.  While this viper is venomous, it isn't considered dangerous.  The viper is not very aggressive and usually only bites when disturbed.  However, you'd have a hard time calling this species a friendly viper - its just a bit of an oxymoron.

What does the European Viper eat?

The most common prey for the European Viper include small mammals, birds, lizards, amphibians and in some cases on spiders, worms and insects.  

Reproduction

Female vipers breed once every two to three years with litters of 3 to 20 young born in late summer to early autumn.   The snake is ovoviviparous.  Young stay with their mom for only a few days.