Can I get someone to like adders?

Rob_D · #1 (**permalink**) 20-07-2010, 09:26 AM

On Sunday, I was lucky enough to get only my 3rd ever UK adder sighting, near to Dorking, Surrey. I was very happy to see it, but sadly it was too quick for a photo.

My Colombian friend was less than enthusiastic; perhaps not least as she nearly trod on it. She described the adder as "disgusting". As she comes from a country with many deadly species, it is understandable that she might be afraid of snakes, but she seemed more revolted by it than frightened .

How I can persuade her that they are actually loveable creatures?

Jim Ford · #2 (**permalink**) 20-07-2010, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob_D

How I can persuade her that they are actually loveable creatures?

You can't! Persuasion appeals to the intellect, whereas phobias operate at a deeper level.

Jim

ViperaBerus · #3 (**permalink**) 22-07-2010, 11:46 AM

The only thing you can do is educate. A greater knowledge and understanding is the only way to overcome revulsion and fear. As Jim says though, it is mostly impossible.

Deb London · #4 (**permalink**) 22-07-2010, 12:23 PM

Hypnosis?

Tracey.A · #5 (**permalink**) 26-07-2010, 09:52 PM

I too have a phobia about adders, which I know is silly. I love looking at the pics of them and even think they are quite beautiful. My fear is that I will step on one and get bitten. I've never seen one in my life, so obviously if I have ever been near one they have moved away. I worry about when they are sluggish and not as quick to move away when they feel the vibrations of my foot steps. My daughter once stepped over an adder in Kinlochleven, luckily for her it was very sluggish!

I think the more I keep reading about adders on this site the better, it might not cure me, but it will go a long way into helping. The more I learn about adders, hopefully the less I'll fear them.

Tracey

ViperaBerus · #6 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tracey.A

I too have a phobia about adders, which I know is silly. I love looking at the pics of them and even think they are quite beautiful. My fear is that I will step on one and get bitten. I've never seen one in my life, so obviously if I have ever been near one they have moved away. I worry about when they are sluggish and not as quick to move away when they feel the vibrations of my foot steps. My daughter once stepped over an adder in Kinlochleven, luckily for her it was very sluggish!

I think the more I keep reading about adders on this site the better, it might not cure me, but it will go a long way into helping. The more I learn about adders, hopefully the less I'll fear them.

Tracey

Tracey, I've been surveying adders for nearly 25 years now and have never trodden on one. Trust me, they move... fast, and it would be a very unusual thing to tread on one. The way I walk through their habitat is very different to normal people as I try to be stealthy, and I can honestly say that it would be an utterly freak accident if you got bitten, even if you ballet danced naked in their main breeding grounds. They always choose flight over fight unless trapped or an attempt is made to pick them up.

Tracey.A · #7 (**permalink**) 01-08-2010, 08:02 AM

Your reply had me laughing out loud!

Thank you for the information. Now where's my tutu?

Tracey

Rob_D · #8 (**permalink**) 03-08-2010, 06:30 PM

Adders are superbly camouflaged when in long grass and seemingly invisible if they don't move. Last year I was out searching for them and "being stealthy". I heard a rustle and froze when I saw a common lizard a few feet away. I stayed still for a couple of minutes looking ahead before moving very slightly. At that point, the adder that I had not seen and which was right next to my foot began to move away. I was so surprised I had not seen a snake that was right next to me when I was paying very close attention to my surroundings.

So I have no doubt they can be trodden upon by accident, and no doubt they would not take kindly to it. Still, I'd love to see them more often, and such a shame there are none around here.

ViperaBerus · #9 (**permalink**) 04-08-2010, 11:46 AM

How many people walk about being stealthy though. Only those few like you and me who are actively seeking them out. It does happen, but the odds against it are massive.

JaySteel · #10 (**permalink**) 09-08-2010, 04:03 PM

I'm also a huge 'Adder' fan and have spent much of my time actively seeking out Adders to photograph. I have found quite a lot this year but I've also spent many outings searching with no success at all. Every now and then I have crept right up on top of one without seeing it until I was virtually standing on top of it. Usually they flee long before I get that close but occasionally one decides to stay still hoping to evade capture using its camouflage. I can see how they could be accidently trod on.

Please check out my Adder photos at:

www.jasonsteelwildlifephotography.yolasite.com