Believe it or not, you can find ONE type of venomous snake in Latvia.

But please don’t live in fear, thinking that you are going to be bitten. In general, snakes try to avoid any contact or interaction with people. As long as you leave them alone, you shouldn’t have any trouble!

Did you know that snakes are venomous, NOT poisonous? If you eat something that makes you sick, then it’s considered “poisonous.” If an animal, like a snake, delivers its toxins when it bites, it’s considered “venomous.”

And the venomous snake in Latvia is the…

#1. Adder

• Vipera berus

Also known as the Common European Adder / Viper.

Identifying Characteristics:

• Adults average around 55 cm (22 in) long.

• Color varies and can be brown, red, or light grey with a zigzag stripe on the back. But some individuals are entirely black.

• The head is fairly large and distinct and has a distinctive dark V or X on the back.

Adders are not considered an incredibly dangerous venomous snake in Latvia.

Luckily, they are not very aggressive and rarely bite unless stepped on, picked up, or provoked. But if you are bitten, their venom is quite painful and causes swelling, internal hemorrhaging, and necrosis. While the venom can be lethal, deaths are incredibly rare. For example, about 200 people are bitten each year in Britain, however, there has only been 1 fatality since 1876!

Adder Range Map

Adders are found in many habitats, such as forest clearings, marshlands, heathlands, pastures with hedgerows, and even alpine meadows in the Alps. They mostly eat small mammals, but lizards, birds, and frogs are taken when available.

Because of their large distribution and a broad range of habitats, the population of Adders is currently not threatened. But their numbers are decreasing slightly due to habitat loss for agriculture and collecting them for the pet trade and venom extraction.

• Check out the LIVE animal cameras in my backyard HERE!

*If you come across this species, PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB! Venomous snakes are dangerous animals and should be left alone. The more you agitate them, the more likely you could get bitten. DO NOT RELY ON THIS ARTICLE to correctly identify a snake that has recently bitten you. If you have recently been bitten, GO DIRECTLY to the nearest hospital to get help and to determine if the snake is venomous.*

Make sure to check out these guides to other animals found in Latvia!

• The 3 Types of Snakes That Live in Latvia! (ID Guide)

• The 29 MOST Common Birds That Live in Latvia!

• The 7 MOST Common SPIDERS Found in Latvia!

• 35 Amazing ANIMALS to see in Latvia! (ID guide w/ pics)

Have you seen this venomous snake before in Latvia?

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