Dog walkers warned as adders spotted around the country

Dog walkers are being warned about adders that have begun to come out of hibernation across the UK.

Adders, which are grey or reddish-brown with a dark zig-zag stripe down their back, are the UK’s only venomous snake.

While the risk of adder bites is low, with 100 cases reported in the UK each year, dog walkers are being asked to be vigilant while out in areas such as long grass, marshland, and woodland where the snakes are likely to live.

The Wildlife Trusts said: “Adders are secretive animals and prefer to slither off into the undergrowth rather than confront and bite humans and domestic animals; most attacks happen when they are trodden on or picked up.”

So far adders have been spotted around Ventnor and Luccombe on the Isle of Wight, Larrermuir Hills between East Lothian and the Borders, Bowes in County Durham, Newlyn Downs in Cornwall, and near Aberdare in South Wales.

Meanwhile, three separate incidents had to be dealt with by Medivet in Southend, with two cases in Rochford and another case in Two Tree Island near Leigh. It follows an earlier adder attack at Gunner Park in Shoebury.

Dog walkers are advised to keep animals away from adders, but if an attack takes place seek veterinary attention, as they can provide anti-venom.

Head Veterinary Nurse at Forest Veterinary Clinic, Rachel Russell, told the Southern Daily Echo: “If a dog is bitten, you might notice they are in pain and you will see two puncture marks where they have been bitten. This may bleed. The pain is similar to when a dog is stung by a wasp or a bee, so owners need to look out for the two puncture marks, bleeding and localised swelling.”