What should you do if you encounter a puff adder? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

The puff adder ( Bitis arietans), a common and venomous snake in sub-Saharan Africa, is a creature to be treated with respect and caution. Encountering one can be a nerve-wracking experience, but knowing how to react can significantly reduce the risk of being bitten. The key is to remain calm and avoid any sudden movements that could startle the snake. Your safety depends on understanding their behavior and employing a few crucial strategies.

What to Do When You Encounter a Puff Adder

The puff adder is known for its exceptional camouflage and tendency to remain still when it senses danger. It relies on blending into its environment, hoping to avoid detection. Therefore, the first and most important rule is:

• Do not approach the snake. Maintain a safe distance.

If you spot a puff adder, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Freeze: Stop immediately. Assess the situation. Where is the snake in relation to you and others?

2. Do not run or make sudden movements: Abrupt actions can be perceived as a threat, triggering a defensive strike.

3. Slowly back away: Create distance between yourself and the snake. Keep your eyes on it as you retreat.

4. Give it space: Allow the snake to escape. It will likely seek an escape route if it feels safe to do so.

5. Warn others: If you’re with a group, calmly alert them to the snake’s presence and instruct them to follow the same procedures.

6. Report the sighting: If the snake is in a populated area, report it to local authorities or wildlife experts. They can assess the situation and take appropriate action.

Understanding Puff Adder Behavior

Puff adders are ambush predators. They lie in wait for prey, relying on their camouflage to remain hidden. They are not naturally aggressive and will only strike if they feel threatened. However, their camouflage and quick strike can make them dangerous if accidentally disturbed. Also, remember that puff adders are among at least 42 species of animals that are preyed upon, so they always keep their guard up. Survival rates of wild puff adders can be as low as 50% per annum, so they must always protect themselves.

Addressing the Myths

One of the most dangerous things you can do is underestimate or misunderstand a potentially deadly situation. Do not handle or attempt to move a puff adder, even if it appears dead. Snakes can feign death as a defense mechanism, and you could be bitten if you get too close. Also, it is important to know that while they are mostly terrestrial, these snakes are good swimmers and can also climb with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes puff adders so dangerous?

Puff adders possess a potent cytotoxic venom that causes tissue damage (necrosis), swelling, pain, and potentially severe complications such as coagulopathy (blood clotting problems) and hypotension (low blood pressure). Their camouflage, fast strike, and tendency to remain still make them easily disturbed, leading to bites.

2. How fast can a puff adder strike?

Puff adders are incredibly quick strikers. They can strike from a coiled position in as little as 0.25 seconds, arguably the fastest striking snake in the world.

3. Can you survive a puff adder bite?

Yes, survival is possible with prompt and appropriate medical treatment. The chances of death are relatively low, especially with access to antivenom and supportive care. However, without treatment, the bite can be life-threatening.

4. What are the symptoms of a puff adder bite?

Symptoms include intense pain at the bite site, rapid swelling, bleeding, blistering, and potentially systemic effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and shock. Coagulopathy can lead to spontaneous bleeding from the gums, nose, and other areas.

5. How is a puff adder bite treated?

Treatment involves administering a polyvalent antivenom, which neutralizes the venom’s effects. Supportive care, such as pain management, wound care, and monitoring of vital signs, is also crucial. In severe cases, multiple vials of antivenom (15 or more) may be required.

6. What should I do immediately after being bitten by a puff adder?

• Stay calm: Panic will increase your heart rate and spread the venom faster.
• Immobilize the limb: Keep the bitten limb still to slow the spread of venom.
• Apply a pressure immobilization bandage: Wrap a bandage firmly above the bite, similar to treating a sprain, but not so tight as to cut off circulation.
• Seek medical attention immediately: Get to the nearest hospital or medical facility as quickly as possible.

7. Is there antivenom available for puff adder bites?

Yes, a polyvalent antivenom is available for treating puff adder bites. It’s crucial to administer it as soon as possible after the bite to minimize tissue damage and other complications.

8. Are puff adders aggressive snakes?

Puff adders are not inherently aggressive. They prefer to avoid confrontation and will only strike if they feel threatened or cornered. Most bites occur when people accidentally step on or disturb them.

9. What is the best way to avoid encountering a puff adder?

• Be aware of your surroundings: Watch where you’re walking, especially in areas with tall grass, rocks, or logs.
• Wear appropriate footwear: Sturdy boots or closed shoes can provide some protection.
• Avoid walking in dense vegetation at night: Puff adders are more active at dusk and dawn.
• Use a walking stick: This can help you probe the ground ahead of you and alert snakes to your presence.

10. Are puff adders protected species?

Puff adders are not generally considered threatened or endangered, and are widely distributed thoughout their range. However, local populations may be at risk due to habitat loss and human interference. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats.

11. Do puff adders only live in Africa?

Puff adders are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there are snake species in other parts of the world that are referred to by similar names, which can be a source of confusion. One such snake is the Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos). It is also known as the “puff adder” or “hissing viper” in some regions. This snake is NOT venomous.

12. Can dogs smell puff adders?

Research suggests that puff adders may exhibit chemical crypsis, which means they are nearly scentless, making it difficult for dogs and other animals to detect them by smell.

13. How many babies do puff adders have?

Puff adders are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. They typically have a litter size of 20-40 young, but exceptionally large litters of up to 80 have been recorded.

14. What do puff adders eat?

Puff adders are ambush predators that primarily feed on rodents, but they also consume birds, lizards, toads, and other small animals.

15. Do puff adders climb walls?

Although mainly terrestrial, these snakes are good swimmers and can also climb with ease; often they are found basking in low bushes.

Conclusion

Encountering a puff adder can be a frightening experience, but by remaining calm, being aware of your surroundings, and understanding the snake’s behavior, you can significantly reduce the risk of a bite. Always remember to give the snake space, avoid sudden movements, and seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten. Education and awareness are key to coexisting safely with these fascinating creatures. For more insights into wildlife and environmental awareness, explore resources like The Environmental Literacy Council at enviroliteracy.org.