The Yorkshire Four

They may not be everyone’s idea of cute, but our secretive reptiles are certainly worth discovering, says Claire Burton, River Wiske Project Officer for Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

In the UK, we have six native reptile species. Some of these can be found on our doorstep in Yorkshire, but to see others you may have to travel farther afield. Let’s meet the ‘Yorkshire four’.

ADDER VIPERA BERUS

The adder is the UK’s only venomous snake and can be found in a wide range of habitats. It prefers sunny open moorland, woodland and grassland areas where its prey is often abundant. Adders have a varied diet of small mammals, frogs, birds’ eggs and occasionally small birds, which they swallow whole after one venomous bite.

At 60-80cm long, an adder’s zig-zag skin pattern camouflages it well against predators such as crows, badgers, smooth snakes and raptors. These snakes pick up vibrations in the ground and will often flee as danger approaches.

Spring is probably the best time to see adders: they are often sluggish as they emerge from hibernation and can be seen basking in the early morning sunshine. At this time of year, males are particularly territorial and looking for a mate. If you are lucky, you may see them ‘dance’ as they compete for females. In the summer, females give birth to live young in litters ranging from five to 20 juveniles, all around 15cm long.

Where to find them: YWT nature reserves Allerthorpe Common, Ellerburn Bank, Fen Bog and Strensall Common.

COMMON LIZARD ZOOTOCA VIVIPARA