Lorraine Flower quickly took out her phone to capture the horror moment a snake from the UK’s only venomous species slithered past her on as she enjoyed a mountain walk in the UK countryside
A walker caught the horror moment she spotted a 23-inch poisonous snake on a UK mountain in a chilling video. Lorraine Flower spotted a huge adder and quickly took out her phone to capture the shocking moment on the Blorenge mountain near Abergavenny, Wales.
She revealed that she spotted the potentially dangerous creature on her walk when she looked down and saw it slithering in the grass. This scary encounter comes as officials put out a crucial warnings to walkers and pet owners this summer to beware of Britain’s only venomous snake species – which can grow up to 31-inches at its longest.
Walkers living near this beauty spot revealed there have been a string of adder sightings in the popular hiking area over the years. A surge in sightings of venomous snakes in the sunshine have been flagged up by police – with a warning for families to beware.
People have reported seeing adders in Port Eynon and Rhossili on the Gower coast which was Britain’s first area of outstanding natural beauty. Cops have warned people – particularly those with dogs – to be wary and to keep their pets on leads at all times.
Dog walkers have been advised to seek veterinary advice immediately if they suspect their dog has been bitten by an adder. These poisonous snake are often spotted “basking in the sunshine in woodland glades and on heathlands” and they can live for up to 15 years.
The venom from the snake can cause painful inflammation but is generally not fatal to healthy adults. Despite their potential danger, some locals shared their sightings of these unique snakes, as one person said: “Beautiful, creature. But I’d still keep my distance” and another said: “Seen many on the Blorenge over the years.”
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “Please be advised that we have received several reports regarding increased sightings of adders in Port Eynon (sand dunes) and near Worm’s Head, Rhossili. Please do the right thing and keep your dogs on leads at all times.
“Adders are the only venomous snakes in the UK and are generally actIve from early spring to October when they aren’t hibernating. They often live in sand dunes, hillsides, moors and woodlands and are more likely to bite dogs between April and July, especially in the late afternoon.
“If you suspect an adder has bitten your dog, immediately check for two small puncture marks, swelling or redness in the area – these are common signs of adder bites. It is important to keep your dog calm and still to prevent the venom spreading and seek veterinary advice ASAP.”
The Wildlife Trust said: “The adder is the UK’s only venomous snake but its venom is generally of little danger to humans. An adder bite can be painful and cause a inflammation, but is really only dangerous to the very young, ill or old.
“If bitten, medical attention should be sought immediately. Adders are secretive animals and prefer to slither off into the undergrowth rather than confront and bite humans and domestic animals – most attacks happen when they are trodden on or picked up. Instead, they use their venom to immobilise and kill their prey of small mammals, nestlings and lizards.”
