Where: All of Sweden
When: Mainly spring and summer
What: Adders and grass snakes
To be honest, I never expected to encounter snakes when we moved to Sweden. They are said to exist in the Netherlands too, but I’ve never seen one there. However, you do come across them here in Sweden.
WHAT TYPES OF SNAKES CAN YOU FIND IN SWEDEN?
Adders, grass snakes and slowworms. You need to be cautious of adders (called 'huggorm' in Swedish) as they are venomous. You can quickly recognize them by the pattern on their back. Sometimes, especially in Scandinavia, it can be difficult to see that pattern because they can be almost black. Black attracts heat, which is beneficial for snakes here in the cold North to warm up quickly and regain energy.
If you easily notice white spots behind the head, then it’s a grass snake ('snok' in Swedish). Grass snakes are not venomous but they can bite though. A slowworm (or 'Kopparödla') is technically a legless lizard, but since they look like harmless snakes, I thought I should mention them here.
WHEN AND WHERE TO ENCOUNTER SNAKES
Snakes emerge from hibernation when temperatures rise, typically from late April to early May in Västerås. They bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature and energy levels. During summer, they’re most active in the mornings and evenings.
WHERE TO FIND SNAKES?
We usually come across snakes in semi-tall grass and near water. Snakes are excellent swimmers, and grass snakes mainly prey on frogs and fish. In a nearby park, there was a snake pit along the water, a sheltered hole in the ground where around 17 snakes (a mix of grass snakes and adders) hibernated. In April, they crawled out and sunbathed on the warm rocks before disappearing into the bushes. Outside of hibernation and mating season, snakes live solitarily and try to avoid each other as much as possible.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A SNAKE
While encountering a snake can be thrilling, it’s best to admire from a distance and avoid handling them. Grass snakes are usually shy and will flee if approached, while adders, though generally non-aggressive, may strike if threatened. It’s essential to remain cautious and give them space.
WHAT IF YOU'RE BITTEN BY A SNAKE IN SWEDEN?*
While adder bites are venomous, they're typically not lethal. About 30% of bites inject no venom, serving as warnings. However, adder venom can cause tissue necrosis and affect blood clotting. Immediate medical attention is necessary, especially for the elderly, children, and pets.
It can happen that you get bitten without even seeing the snake. Often it’s just bad luck, like stepping on the snake or finding a snake in a bush while picking berries. Adder bites are painful, leaving two holes in the skin about 6 to 9mm apart. Usually, a bluish swelling appears around the bite. If bitten, stay calm, keep the affected area elevated, and seek emergency medical assistance (in Sweden, dial 112). If you’ve been bitten by a grass snake, it’s a good idea to swing by the doctor. Like with most animal bites, you might need a tetanus shot.
PRECAUTIONS AND STATICS
Preventing snake encounters involves avoiding tall grass during summer walks, particularly for children and pets. While human adder bites average around 300 annually in Sweden, fatalities are rare, occurring roughly once every ten years.
*Remember, while these tips can help reduce risks, consulting a medical professional for personalized advice is always wise. Stay safe and enjoy exploring the Swedish outdoors!
HELPFUL LINKS
In dept information (in Swedish):
Poison Information Centre in Sweden (in English):
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