Warning as 12 venomous snakes spotted on the loose in UK - what to look out for
Brits and dogwalkers in particular have been warned over the country's only venomous snake following several sightings in the same area.
A total of 12 adder sightings have been reported in the North East so far this year. The reptiles are mostly harmless but can lash out when threatened - leaving a nasty venom which has been known to kill dogs and, on rare occasions, humans.
So far the snakes have been sighted at several rural locations in the regions, including Consett, Stanhope, Battersby and near Edmundbyers. Adder bite cases rise during the summer months as Brits get out and enjoy the countryside more.
Walkers wearing open toed sandals can be particularly vulnerable, as the serpents are known to sink their fangs into bare ankles. Male adders can be spotted by their highly distinctive black and brown-grey diamond-patterned markings while females are usually more coppery-brown.
Both are known to be venomous. The snakes are more likely to flee humans than attack them, wildlife experts say. The Woodland Trust says they can measure between 60 to 80 cm, fully grown.
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Adder bites do not usually pose a serious risk, and tend to be more painful than anything. However, they can be extremely dangerous for dogs.
When bitten, humans can go into anaphylactic shock and should seek urgent medical help. One woman from Essex told The Mirror in June how she was hospital ridden for two days after being attacked by an adder during a countryside walk near Brentwood. Beau Avis described being "lucky to be alive" after a bite sent her into shock.
The 26-year-old, who luckily was with her dad Kevin at the time, was rushed to Queen's Hospital in Romford where doctors, by chance, had anti-venom to hand. In the event of an adder bite, Brits are advised to lie in the recovery position and keep the body part affected as still as possible.
Bite victims should keep calm and remove any jewellery in case of swelling, the NHS advises. It's also advised to remember or snap a picture of the snake's markings if possible, as this could help medics when assessing the severity of the bite.
People who have been bitten should attend A&E or call 999 if they appear to be going into anaphylactic shock, which is the body's heightened allergic reaction to foreign bodies such as venom. Most hospitals store anti-venom for adder bites.
Victims should not take aspirin or ibuprofen, but the NHS says paracetamol is fine to help manage the pain. It's also strongly urged not to approach the snake if it's still in the vicinity.
Guidance from the NHS says: "You'll usually need to stay in hospital for at least 24 hours if you've been bitten by a snake. The bite will be cleaned and bandaged. You may be given an injection to help protect you from tetanus.
"If you were bitten by a poisonous (venomous) snake you'll be treated with a medicine to fight the venom. This is given through a thin tube into a vein, called a drip."
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