Adder warning in Devon after two people bitten

Two visitors were bitten at Braunton Burrows in north Devon

More warning signs are being put up at a Devon beauty spot after two people were rushed to hospital after being bitten by adders.

A Facebook post from Braunton Burrows Public Information said two visitors went to hospital after being bitten at the nature reserve near Saunton Sands beach on Friday.

Bosses at the reserve urged people to be "vigilant" and to watch out for adders, which they said were not aggressive but "will react in defence" if stepped on or disturbed.

A spokesperson for reserve said: "We are putting up some signs on main entry gates echoing the advice from the Braunton Burrows Facebook post."

According to the Wildlife Trusts, adders are the UK's only venomous snake whose bites can be painful and require medical attention.

However, the charity added that an adder bite was normally only really dangerous to the very young, ill or old.

It said adders were normally found in woodland, heathland and moorland habitats.

'Be vigilant'

Braunton Burrows' Facebook post said adders liked to be in the sunshine during the summer and it warned people who strayed off footpaths to keep an eye out for snakes.

"They like to bask in sunshine, so, at this time of year, it always pays to be vigilant, especially when using paths off the beaten track with poor line of sight," the post said.

"Adders are not aggressive by nature but will react in defence, usually when stepped on or disturbed by dogs.

"We wish the two who got bitten a speedy recovery."

'No use shouting'

John Breeds, a volunteer at Braunton Burrows and former warden at the site, said adders were not as common as they used to be and did not attack if they were left alone.

He said if a person saw an adder, they should stamp their feet on the ground as that would make the snake retreat.

"If you see any snake, the best move is to leave it alone," Mr Breeds said.

"There's no use shouting and hollering, the snakes haven't got our sort of hearing and they're sensitive to very low frequency vibrations.

"If you stamp, the adder may very well retreat into the undergrowth."

Mr Breeds also advised people to keep dogs on leads to keep them under control in areas where they might disturb adders.

He added anyone who was bitten should seek medical care immediately.