The Berg Adder (Bitis atropos) is a small but thick bodied viper. It is normally found at high alitudes of up to 3000m, but in the Western Cape it can be found in coastal and mountain heathland at sea level especially in and around areas like Pringle's Bay and Betty's Bay.

 

The Berg Adder averages a length of around 30 - 40cm to a maximum of 60cm. It can be distinguished by it's strongly keeled body scales, vertical pupils and a triangular head distinct from the rest of the body. There are two silvery lines which are usually broken up and run down the body from the head to the tail. The scales form semi-triangular to box shaped markings which may form a "bent" hourglass shape in-between these lines. There are no horns or raised scales which normally makes this adder easier to identify than other small adders such as the Southern Adder. It is a diurnal snake and is often found basking on footpaths and rocky outcrops.

 

The Berg Adder varies in colour depending on it's locality but in the Western Cape it is normally a typical greyish-brown, the markings are normally a dark brown colour outlined by a silvery or orange border. It feeds mainly on lizards, small rodents and amphibians but is quite prepared to feed on ground-nesting birds as well as other snakes. This snake is viviparous and gives live birth to around 4-16 young.

 

The venom of the Berg Adder is unusual as it is predominantely Neurotoxic where as other adders of the bitis species have predominantely Cytotoxic venom. It is a rather nervous snake and will hiss loudly when disturbed and strike readily and repeatedly if threatened even if the aggressor is well out of reach.

 

There have been more reports of Berg Adder bites recently over the past few years. Although no confirmed fatalities have been recorded bites can be serious and should be treated as a medical emergency. Antivenom has no effect on the Berg Adders venom and any envenomation should be treated symptomatically. Symptoms may include ptosis (Droopy eyelids), blurred vision, the temporary loss of taste and smell and dizziness. The Cytotoxic faction of the venom may also include pain, and swelling around the site of the bite. Both of these symptoms can progress to a more severe degree. Necrosis (the death of body tissue) can also play a roll in the case of severe envenomation and death may result from respiratory failure if not treated.

 

I do believe that more research is currently being done on this little adder due to more bites being recorded as well as talk of this species being added to Venomous Snake Handling courses. Hopefully this will give us more information on this snake and more importantly what to look out for if you are out on a hiking trail. This will pose as invaluable information to reduce the amount of bites being delivered to the unwary person.