‘Be vigilant’ alert after adder bites dog walker

A SPATE of adder incidents have led a leading expert and a vet surgery to issue a warning asking people to stay vigilant.

Several adder sightings across South Wales have been reported, and one woman was hospitalised after being bitten while walking her dog in Port Eynon, Swansea.

Reptile specialist and broadcaster Dr Rhys Jones said adders were peaceful creatures and would only bite humans in very rare circumstances.

The Cardiff University lecturer said: “It is their last resort to attack someone or something.

“They normally bite people if they accidentally step on them.”

He added: “They are not aggressive creatures, they are actually quite shy and secretive.

“I would say that as a dog walker and animal lover myself to please just be vigilant.

“Make sure you do not lose sight of your dog.”

Barry & Boverton Vets, based in Llantwit Major, have also warned people to be vigilant for adders when walking their dog.

In a Facebook post they said: “Now the warmer weather is here please be vigilant for adders etc when out walking your dog.

“We had a dog in yesterday who got bitten by on the face by a snake on the weekend.

“The owner was walking on the path to beach in Rhoose.”

The NHS say that immediately after being bitten by a snake you should remain calm.

They say that you should try to remember the shape, size and colour of the snake and keep the part of your body that’s been bitten as still as possible to prevent the venom spreading around your body.

After being bitten dial 999 immediately to ask for an ambulance or go straight to the nearest accident and emergency.