Adder in the Harz: Sensational find sparks heated discussion!
A hiker discovers a rare baby adder in the Harz Mountains, which leads to heated discussions about snakes and their endangerment.
Adder in the Harz: Sensational find sparks heated discussion!
In the picturesque Harz, where nature impresses with its dense forests and quiet dams, a walk can quickly become an unforgettable experience. This was recently experienced by a hiker who had a very special encounter on an ordinary excursion near the Grane Dam. The discovery of a small, poisonous adder caused a stir on social networks.
The hiker was on her way back to the car when she spotted the curled up animal. "It was indescribable how she looked - like a full-grown snake in miniature," she proudly reported on Facebook. However, her photos of the baby adder that she wanted to share received mixed reactions. While some users were plagued by fear and disgust and imagined screaming and running away in the face of the snake, the finder was simply thrilled by this unique experience.
Important recognition and threats to the species
The discussion about the sighting was not only sparked by fear of snakes, but also led to serious advice. One user warned others to report such sightings to the Harz National Park. These reports are of great importance because the adder is considered critically endangered and every sighting helps conservationists monitor the population. The Harz National Park itself confirmed to News38 how important such observations are for their work. The adder can be identified by a distinctive zigzag pattern on its back and by a special head pattern.
Although adders are considered less dangerous to humans, caution is still advised: their bite can be very painful. In addition to the adder, the smooth snake and the grass snake are also native to the Harz, but both are classified as harmless. The smooth snake can often be confused with the adder, while the grass snake is easily identified by its distinctive spots behind its head.
It is advisable to report any sightings of snakes in the national park, whether by email or telephone. Photos that enable experts to identify the animals precisely are particularly helpful. Every reported sighting represents a valuable contribution to preserving biodiversity in the Harz.
The excitement caused by the discovery of the little adders shows how important it is to document such experiences and share them with the relevant authorities. It remains to be seen how the discussion about adders in the Harz region will develop. as reported by www.news38.de.