Roadkill adder

[Husky]

I found a freshly killed adder today that has just had its head flattened but is otherwise undamaged and has a beautiful pattern.

Questions are:

How should I skin it, flat or like a tube?
How to treat the skin?
What to make from it?

I could make a hatband and change my username to "Grey adder" but I don't wear a hat.
All tips and suggestions are welcome.

 

[DavidJT]

Shame it was run over, but it would now be a shame to waste such a beautiful skin.

 

[beachlover]

I don't know about this, but is it illegal to be captured with protected species even if you have found them dead?

 

[blacktimberwolf]

You're right it has beautiful markings. I think the best way to skin it would be to slit it down the belly & tan/ treat it flat. be careful of the head, it's poison will still be active. You should skin it right away as it will start to decompose. you can salt it for now until you learn how to tan it (I don't know how)
As for uses, it's more decorative than any thing, sewing on to other leather objects, sheaths for example, bracelets,belts, straps, clothing etc.....
I'm not sure of the adder's protective status in Sweden, so be careful where you show it.......good luck.

 

[JonathanD]

I don't know about this, but is it illegal to be captured with protected species even if you have found them dead?

It would be illegal to possess this in the UK. The OP isn't, he's in Sweden. I don't know the laws there or their status as a protected species.

 

[_scorpio_]

just skin it normally down the middle of the underside, then remove whats left of the large smooth scales on the bottom and flatten it out. then tan it (ask someone else about that bit) and lay it out on a flat surface (a board of wood) and secure it tightly to it, then lay another lighter (weight) board on it and hold them together with elastic bands. then leave it somewhere dry where its OK if it stinks to hell for a month, and your done.
i dont know if this is how others would do it but its how my grandfather did it in WW2 while stationed in burma, after finding the 5' burmese python in his tent... only a baby one

 

[Husky]

Thanks for your concern!
All snakes are protected in sweden but this is only because people tend to kill adders and can't tell the difference from a Smooth snake which is an endangered species.
We have some species that should be handed in to the National Veterinary Institute but otherwise it is not illegal to possess a dead animal. If you want to sell it however, CITES comes in to play.

Regarding my questions I have searched the net and tanning with a mix of alcohol and glycerin seems to be a common way to do it so I guess I will try this.

 

[beachlover]

It would be illegal to possess this in the UK. The OP isn't, he's in Sweden. I don't know the laws there or their status as a protected species.

That's why I asked, but he has it sorted within the laws there. I just didn't want him getting in bother because of a post on a public forum.

 

[hog]

Dont forget to grill and eat whats left, remove the head about 2" down to avoid the venom glands.
Serve with fried rice, bon apetite.

 

[santaman2000]

Since it's apparently legal to own in Sweden you might think of something decorative such as a hatband. For those of you who cannot legally possess one I might offer the following advice (should you find yourself in the same position) Try calling an official or public institution (such as a university or zoo) that can possibly legally possess it and stuff it as an educational display or use it for research.