Holidaymakers are being warned to be careful after a resident came across an adder at a beauty spot near Exeter. The walker, who did not wish to be named, came across Britain's only venomous snake at Woodbury Common near Woodbury Castle.
Other sightings have also been confirmed at Woodbury Common. Adders can be fatal to humans and dogs if bites are not treated. They have a distinctive zig-zag pattern, reports Somerset Live.
The resident said: "Watch out for adders when walking on Woodbury common at the moment. They’re not aggressive but will bite if trodden on."
READ MORE: Video shows move that got driver £400 fine after passing cyclists
Adders normally hibernate underground from October to March, a strategy designed to enable them to survive a cold winter, but with warmer weather they have now been seen throughout the year.
The adder is a relatively small, stocky snake that prefers woodland, heathland and moorland habitats. It hunts lizards and small mammals, as well as ground-nesting birds, such as skylark and meadow pipit. In spring, male adders perform a 'dance' during which they duel to fend off competition to mate.
Females incubate the eggs internally, 'giving birth' to three to 20 live young. Adders hibernate from October, emerging in the first warm days of March, which is the easiest time of year to find them basking on a log or under a warm rock. Males tend to be more silvery-grey in colour, while females are more light or reddish-brown.
Adders are found across the country, except for the Isles of Scilly, the Channel Islands, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.
