Man investigated for killing protected adder in Turku yard
A man from Turku was suspected of a nature conservation offense after killing an adder in his yard in late summer 2023, shortly after the species became protected in Finland. The case came to light after the man posted an image of the dead snake on social media with the caption: "This was the first snake to come into the yard. The end result is there." Ilta-Sanomat reports that the incident was investigated by police, who later discontinued the case due to insufficient evidence.
The man told Yle that he acted out of concern for safety, claiming he first attempted to shoo the adder away. When the snake moved toward a neighbor’s yard where small children were playing in a swimming pool, he decided to kill it. He also expressed fear that the adder might bite a cat tied up in his yard. According to Iltalehti, the man believed his actions were justified, stating he did nothing wrong.
Legal protections for adders
Since June 2023, adders have been a protected species in Finland, meaning they may not be killed or harmed without legal justification. The Ministry of the Environment has set a guideline value of €70 for an adder, though no fines have yet been imposed in cases investigated by police. Yle reports that seven cases involving the killing of adders have been examined over the past three years, with none resulting in charges.
Under current regulations, an adder may only be killed in a genuine emergency if no other options—such as relocation—are available. Jarmo Saarikivi, a biologist from the City of Helsinki’s environmental services, told Ilta-Sanomat that adders are a sign of a healthy ecosystem and should be left undisturbed. If relocation is necessary, experts recommend contacting local authorities rather than taking direct action.
The case in Turku highlights the challenges of enforcing new wildlife protections, particularly when incidents are reported through social media rather than official channels.
