Parents and dog owners are being urgently warned after an adder, Britain’s only venomous snake, was discovered in a car park near Llyn Crafnant in Snowdonia. The sighting occurred over the weekend when a vet from a local clinic spotted the snake near the Eryri lake in Conwy.
Although adder sightings are rare, the recent warm weather has prompted their emergence from hibernation, increasing the likelihood of snake bites. Dogs, in particular, are more vulnerable to being bitten due to their curiosity.
In response to the sighting, the clinic where the vet works provided guidance on how to handle encounters with the venomous snake, which is native to the UK.
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In a social media post, they advised, “This Adder has just been seen in the car park near Llyn Crafnant (Conwy Valley) by one of our vets. These are the only venomous snakes found in the wild in the UK. They pose a risk to humans and animals, and if bitten, immediate medical/veterinary treatment should be sought. If your dog is bitten by one, it is important to transport them immediately to a vet, carried to the car preferably. They are naturally shy creatures and are most likely to strike if they feel threatened, particularly if a dog is exploring in undergrowth. The risk is reduced if dogs are kept on a lead, as is requested in areas where livestock roam freely.”