Adder and mouse question

[Geoff F]

Near the S. Devon Coast Path, today, I accidentally disturbed an adder (with very pale background colouration) which slithered away faster unfortunately than I could focus my camera. The first adder that I have seen for many years.

When I looked at the area from which it moved, I saw a motionless mouse; which didn't move until I touched it. Obviously it was the intended target.

I have heard, in the old local folklore tales, that adders can mesmerise mice into a trance like state. Is there any real evidence of this or was the mouse just keeping still and hoping that it was hidden.

[aeshna5]

I wonder whether the Adder had just bit the mouse + let it go as they are released after capture + the snake then follows the scent trail + consumes the dying animal.

[Geoff F]

Thanks for the reply.

That could well be what was happening here. One hind leg of the mouse appeared to be dragging, as though it was caught it something. So that may have been the venom starting to take effect.

It probably also explains why they were out in the grass instead of the nearby dense undergrowth.