especially in the north of its range. Further south, it is said to be active in the evening, and it may even be active at night during the summer months. It is predominantly a terrestrial species, though it is known to climb up banks and into low bushes in order to bask or search for prey.

Adders are not usually aggressive and tend to be rather timid, biting only when they are cornered, alarmed, stepped on, or picked up. They will usually disappear in the undergrowth at the slightest hint of danger, but will return once all is quiet,