Warning issued after snakes spotted in Cumbria

Adders – the UK's only snake with a venomous bite – have been found in long grass at Seascale.

Walkers have noticed them near to the village's boatyard, play park and seafront.

Experts are now warning people to stay away from the snakes – stressing they aren't harmful unless disturbed.

Care should be taken to prevent dogs and young children from accidentally stepping on them as they will most probably strike in self-defence, they say.

Paula Barrowclough, who lives in Seascale, said her son saw the snakes on three separate days this week, on the path past the boatyard.

"They ran straight past them and they just slithered into the grass," she said.

Mrs Barrowclough said they are "beautiful snakes" and "not aggressive unless provoked or hurt."

Vicky Griffin, of Cumbria Amphibian and Reptile Group, said the adder is becoming rarer as their habitats are becoming fragmented.

"They're coming out of hibernation and are starting to bask," she said. "There's not a huge risk. if they're going to get stamped on, they'll retaliate with a bite. But more often, an adder will just slither out of the way – people shouldn't panic."

There has been cases in the past in West Cumbria where an adder has injured – and even killed – dogs from their bite.

Jody McQuiston, who manages Animal Concern West Cumbria, is urging dog owners to be extra vigilant and keep away from sand dunes in hot weather.

"This time of year adders are more susceptible to striking as they are wakening up, and will be lying out in the sun, and you can be on top of them before you realise," she said.

"Adders will avoid you if at all possible, as they are quite timid creatures," she added. "Most adder bites occur between April and July."

If a dog is bitten, they should be taken to a vet as soon as possible, she said.

An RSPCA spokeswoman added: "Adders will only use their venom as a last resort, and only attack if they're harassed or threatened. They generally keep out of the way of people."