We were shocked and saddened to learn about the cruel and heartless killing of an adder – one of our most vulnerable native species – in Stroud. Adders are in danger of extinction in parts of southern England, and Stroud Town Council rangers have been monitoring our tiny population for years, to help to safeguard and protect them. Readers should be reassured that adders pose very little danger to the public. They are shy and reclusive and do not attack unless threatened. Adder bites are very rare, and though they can be painful they are almost never fatal, according to the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trusts.