Service Description: Advice and information about wildlife, biodiversity, conservation, nature reserves and biological records throughout the Island.
Also known as:- Badgers, Bats, Biodiversity, Deer, Ecological services, Geological services, Grey Squirrels, Japanese Knotweed, Nature Reserves, Ragwort (General enquiries), Red Squirrels, SINCs, Wildlife
Answer: All snakes are protected, and adders are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 from being killed, injured or sold. So it's best not to disturb or hurt any snakes you see. Adders are not aggressive snakes, and will only attack if harassed or threatened. Although an adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult human, the bite can be painful and requires urgent medical attention. The same applies to most dogs - if you think your dog has been bitten, get him to the vet as soon as you can. To avoid snakes, stick to paths and don't go into longer vegetation. If you make a lot of noise as you approach they will soon flee as they are very sensitive to ground vibrations. For very good advice on reptiles in the garden - both encouraging them and discouraging them - see this comprehensive government leaflet: http://naturalengland.communisis.com/naturalenglandshop/docs/NE15reptiles.pdf - Related Link