Sleepy snakes add up to biting danger

[NicoleRussell]

ED NASH

17 March 2006 06:45

As spring begins to slowly creep in. danger could be lurking in the bushes
for dog walkers taking their pets off the beaten track.

Forestry Commission ecologist Neal Armour-Chelu, last night warned people to
keep their dogs on well established paths, as adders are beginning to emerge
from their hibernation.

The endangered snakes, Britain's only venomous snake, are at their most
vulnerable at this time of year as their bodies are not yet warmed and the
torpid serpents need to spend a long time bathing in the sun.

In this state that they are more likely to be disturbed and will bite in
self-defence.

“In the middle of summer they're much quicker and slither away as soon as
they hear someone coming,” said Mr Armour-Chelu. “But at this time of year
adders are much slower and can be disturbed.

“Typically dogs running around with their noses to the ground are most
likely to be bitten as the adders see them as a potential predator.

“The only way to prevent your dog being bitten is to keep him on well
established paths.”

Any dog owner whose pet is bitten should immediately contact a vet.

Adders have been known to kill dogs, and occasionally people, and bites are
likely to need rapid treatment with anti-histamines and steroids.

Humans who are bitten should get to hospital as soon as possible. Small
children, elderly people or anyone with a heart condition should immediately
call for an ambulance.

Thankfully an adder bite is rarely lethal, as it is unusual for the snake to
fully discharge its venom when biting.

Adders feature in many old English stories and are found throughout the
country, but their numbers are decreasing due to habitat destruction.

In Norfolk, where there is still a large population, they are most likely to
be seen in the sandy dunes of the coast, around Thetford Forest and in other
areas of open forest or heathland.

“Norfolk is fairly important for adders,” said Mr Armour-Chelu. “The county
has some very good habitats for them and we are starting to receive
sightings this year.”

Adders can vary in colour but they are identifiable from Britain's other
native snakes, the Grass Snake and Smooth Snake, by the distinctive zig-zag
pattern which runs down their back.