The adder or common viper, Britain's only venomous reptile is found in large numbers on the Cotswold Hills surrounding Cheltenham. Adders hibernate from September to March when the temperature falls below 9 degrees Celsius.

During the summer months, they are active during the day & are commonly seen basking in open woodland, hedgerows & heath land.

Adders are not aggressive snakes & will only attack if harassed or threatened. We do, however, treat a good number of snake bite victims every year. Usually, the patient is an inquisitive dog that has disturbed a basking snake in the undergrowth.

If not treated quickly & effectively a snake bite can be fatal in the cat & dog.

Clinical signs seen following a snake bite:

1.  extreme pain often with vocalisation

2.  profound swelling at the site of the bite

3.  two fang bites exuding black necrotic liquid

4.  hyper excitability often leading to convulsions

5.  collapse, severe depression & coma

6.  without timely treatment, death may result

Action to take following a snake bite:

•    avoid direct contact with the snake; use a long stick to fend away.

•    try to keep your pet calm & relaxed.

•    telephone the surgery on 01242 234392 as soon as possible for advice.

•    carry your pet to a vehicle & transport to the surgery without delay.

Important points:

•    venom is most dangerous at the beginning of the season in March.

•    adders are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

•    adders will generally flee in preference to attacking a human being.

•    if bitten, a person should seek urgent medical attention.

Snake bite facts sheet January 2009 PDF file