Jump directly to the content
EYE CAN SEE YOU

Can you spot the hidden danger waiting to strike in this picture of a sandy desert?

This ambush hunter could give you a rather nasty shock if you stepped on it

Believe it or not there is a deadly animal hiding in this photograph of sand.

The creature's ability to bury and camouflage itself just enough so it can watch for prey while remaining unnoticed means that passing geckos have a tough time surviving.

 What animal do you think is lurking beneath the sand?
6
What animal do you think is lurking beneath the sand?Credit: Caters News Agency

What creature can you see in this photo?

Here's a tip - have a look for sinister-looking reptile eyes poking out of the sand.

This is your last chance before the reptile is revealed.

 It would be easy to step on this well-hidden reptile
6
It would be easy to step on this well-hidden reptileCredit: Caters News Agency

The Peringuey's adder was snapped hiding in the sand in the Namib desert in Namibia, Africa.

Photographer Wim van den Heever captured the rare scene which shows the snake submerging itself in preparation to strike at prey.

Wim, 43, was leading a photographic safari tour at the time.

He said: "Part of what we do when we are photographing in the desert is spend time looking for these desert animals and you don't always find them.

"We followed tracks to find this snake, it wasn't a surprise as such, but once he is settled in the sand it is very difficult to spot him, so we were lucky.

"These snakes stay under the sand lying in wait to ambush geckos and lizards.

 Can you make it out now?
6
Can you make it out now?Credit: Caters News Agency
 The Peringuey's adder is rarely seen ambushing prey
6
The Peringuey's adder is rarely seen ambushing preyCredit: Caters News Agency

"It is also part of the defence mechanism, it would be pointless for the snake to try and move away in an open environment so it is a natural thing for them to hide under the sand.

"These snakes are quite small which makes it even more difficult, but you look out for an indent in the smooth sand."

He added: "I love working with animals, I am always happy to see I've captured the animal the way it is in nature, undisturbed under the sand.

 The menacing looking snake eats geckos and lizards
6
The menacing looking snake eats geckos and lizardsCredit: Caters News Agency

"I've seen these snakes before but I have never photographed them still submerged in the sand."

The snake, which feeds on geckos and lizards, grows to between eight and 10 inches long.

As an ambush hunter, the adder's eyes are located on the top of its head for better visibility.

 The Peringuey's adder was snapped in the Namib desert in Namibia
6
The Peringuey's adder was snapped in the Namib desert in NamibiaCredit: Caters News Agency
Topics