Want to know where and when to find Puff Adder? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Puff Adder in South Africa
About the Puff Adder
The puff adder is a large, heavy-bodied venomous snake widely distributed across much of sub-Saharan Africa. It has a broad triangular head and highly variable brown, grey, yellow and olive patterns that provide excellent camouflage among leaf litter and vegetation. It is primarily an ambush predator, relying on camouflage and remaining motionless until prey approaches. Its diet includes rodents, birds, frogs, lizards and other small animals. When threatened, it commonly inflates its body and produces a loud hiss before striking.
How to identify the Puff Adder
Large, heavy-bodied viper with a broad triangular head, short tail and strongly keeled scales. Highly variable in colour, ranging from brown and grey to olive or reddish tones, with distinctive darker geometric or chevron-shaped markings along the back.
Did you know?
Puff Adders rely heavily on camouflage and ambush hunting, often remaining motionless for long periods while waiting for prey to pass within striking range.
Also known as: Adder, Pofadder
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Puff Adder, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.