Hibernation

[Flywaver]

Anyone still seeing reptiles out and about or are they Hibernating already. Its still warm out for this time of year...
I know Vipera Berus can be seen upto the Arctic Circle. Do they really Hibernate in the UK for long?

[bigdave60dog]

Adders do hibernate, Of our three species of snake we have one that kills by overpowering and swallowing- Grass Snakes. These also use fermenting vegetation to provide warmth to hatch there eggs.
Smooth Snakes are constrictors and use the heat of the Sun to hatch their eggs. -often residual heat in sandy soil.
Adders kill by poisoning. They also use the heat of the Sun but keep their eggs in their bodies coming out and in from shelter to regulate the heat, thus they are able to move to the sunniest places during the day and retire to a warm place in the evening.
that is why they can live in colder climates than our other snakes and are out earlier the year than the others as well.
When I lived in the deep South of England I never saw adders in November but things may have altered with Global climate Change.
Dave

[Littlesparrow]

I saw one of my frogs at the side of the pond last night. Most of them tuck themselves away in the roots of the water plants, but some of them chose stupid places to hibernate like the water feature and we have to move them before they freeze.

[ViperaBerus]

Originally Posted by bigdave60dog

Adders kill by poisoning.

What!!! Dave amend that immediately No snake is poisonous. That wally Bear Grylls proves that.

There are still adders out by me, and slow-worms. Grass snakes are thin on teh ground but I did see about four yesterday as it was a warm day. One adder had even fed, so was obviously not planning on hibernating any time soon.

[Flywaver]

I'm in Thetford Forest now. Walking to area where i saw a female Adder in May. Hoping for more sunshine. But with a bit of stealth and patience i hope i get lucky...