European Adder

“Norway is home to only three species of snakes, and the European adder (Vipera berus) is the country’s only venomous snake. Vipera berus has the largest geographic distribution of any snake species in the world, stretching from Great Britain in the west all the way to Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East. Scandinavia marks the very edge of the species’ range. Its northernmost populations occur above the Arctic Circle in Sweden, making it the northernmost-ranging snakes on Earth.

The individual in this photograph was encountered in the coastal archipelago of Vestfold, southeastern Norway. This is an adult male photographed shortly after his first spring shed, just before the breeding season begins. Following this shed, males develop their striking breeding colours: a pale silver-grey background sharply contrasted by the bold jet-black zigzag pattern running along the back. At this time of year, they are arguably at their most spectacular.

Fortunately, Norway still supports healthy and viable populations of the European adder, although local populations can be affected by habitat loss, urban development, road construction, and other forms of human disturbance. Elsewhere in Europe, however, the outlook is often less encouraging. In many regions, populations have declined due to habitat fragmentation, agricultural intensification, and the continuing loss of suitable natural habitats.” – Thor Håkonsen

Thor Håkonsen is an avid wildlife photographer, perhaps best known under the alias “Wonders of Cold Blood.”  With a lifelong fascination for reptiles and amphibians—and vipers in particular—he has travelled extensively to observe, and photograph these remarkable animals in their natural habitats.

From 2014 to 2025, he served as Chairman of the Norwegian Herpetological Society (Norsk Herpetologisk Forening), where he worked to promote knowledge, conservation, and appreciation of reptiles and amphibians. He currently continues his involvement with the society as a member of its Board.

 

Through his photography, Thor aims not only to document the beauty and diversity of reptiles but also to inspire a greater understanding of these often misunderstood animals and the habitats they depend on.

Thank you, Thor, for sharing your image with us!  

 

To connect with Thor and see more of his work, check out his website, wondersofcoldblood.com, or find him on Instagram @wondersofcoldblood, or on Facebook @wondersofcoldblood.