Warmer weather has arrived and adders are awake across Sweden. The Poison Information Centre has received over 100 calls about bites so far this year.
As warmer weather arrives, encounters with the adder, Scandinavia’s only wild venomous snake, become more likely across Sweden. Experts advise standing still or walking away calmly if one is spotted. Waving the arms can also help scare it off.
Peter Hultén at the Poison Information Centre stresses that anyone bitten should seek care immediately. If near a hospital go there, otherwise call 112. Around 400 people are treated in hospital each year after adder bites.
Johan Nylander at the Swedish Museum of Natural History explains that the snakes are not curious about humans. The most recent death occurred in 2023 when the bitten person did not go to hospital. Antivenom is available at emergency hospitals and is often effective.
Adders are found throughout Sweden and the population is stable. Milder winters may however make hibernation harder for both the snakes and their prey.
