Adder sighting in city park 'unlikely'

The council said it recently received a report of a potential sighting of an adder in Heavitree Park

Adder sightings in a Devon park are considered to be "unlikely", Exeter City Council has said.

The council said it recently received a report of a potential sighting of an adder in Heavitree Park, Exeter.

Adders are the UK’s only venomous snake but incidents of biting are "very rare", it added.

A council spokesperson said adders were "extremely shy" and there was "no reason" for people to be concerned.

Adders are protected by law as their numbers are declining

They said: “Reports of recent sightings in Heavitree are unlikely to be an adder.

"But if it is, there is no reason for residents to be concerned because adders are extremely shy.

“Residents should be aware of their surroundings and keep to the well-maintained areas, don’t venture into the long grass unnecessarily.

"There is plenty of space for both residents and wildlife to enjoy the site.”

Adders are protected by law as their numbers are declining.

Advice issued by Devon Wildlife Trust states: “Adders can be identified by the characteristic zig-zag pattern down its back, mainly found in woodland glades, on heathlands and coast paths.

"Adders are secretive animals and will generally only bite if picked up or trodden on.”