Snake bite alert after report of adder strike
RESIDENTS in Ainsale are in shock this week after it is believed a man was bitten by a snake.
One reader said: “A man and his dog were bitten by a snake on Liverpool Road in Ainsdale.
“I think it was an adder. Apparently the dog was bitten too and was very ill. More people need to be aware there are snakes about.”
We have been unable to track down the man, although another Ainsdale resident has told the Visiter of an incident in which she believes her dog was set upon by a snake in the nature reserve.
Margaret Woodman, who lives within the reserve, said: “We noticed our dog had hurt his hind leg. On close examination at the vets, we found two tiny white bubble marks wh ich erupted days later.
“The dog had to be prescribed extremely strong antibiotics.
“Our vet told us the only time he had seen a similar wound was when he worked in Wales where, on rare occasion, a dog would be brought in after being bitten by a snake.” However, senior reserve manager Dave Mercer said: “We’ve no record of snakes or snake sightings on the reserve.
“So while we can’t categorically say there aren’t any, we have never been made aware of snakes.”
According to Wildlife Britain: “Adders can be found all over mainland UK, and are the most capable snake in the world at surviving harsh weather conditions. The snakes can be found in a very wide range of habitats but open ground such as moors and grasslands are a favourite as they are often full of their prey.”
NHS guidelines for preventing snake bites are:
wear boots and long trousers;
never pick up a snake, even if you think it’s harmless or it appears dead;
never put your hand in a hole or crevice, for example, between rocks – if you need to retrieve something, stand well back and use a stick to reach it;
if you find yourself very close to a snake, stand still – most snakes only strike at moving targets so if you remain calm and still, the snake will escape without harming you.
Do you know the man bitten by a snake in Ainsdale last week? Or have you heard of any other snake sightings in or around Southport? Email kate. lally@ trinitymirror. com