FOLLOWING recent incidents when a child was bitten and a dog died from venom, walkers are being urged to be adder aware when out and about on Dorset's heaths.

Dorset Wildlife Trust and the Urban Heaths Partnership have issued advice on adders, one of the six British species of reptile found locally.

"It is unusual to see an adder and extremely unusual to be bitten by one," said Nigel Brooks, Dorset Wildlife Trust warden.

"You are very lucky if you come across one basking in the spring, curled up in the sunshine. Give them room and they won't give you any trouble," he said.

They bask because they are cold blooded and need the warmth of the sun to give them energy.

Although their bite is poisonous they are shy, sensitive and non-aggressive, says the trust.

Adders, which come in lots of colours - brown, grey and occasionally black, all with a distinctive zig-zag pattern down the middle of the back and tail - try to avoid people.

If they feel the vibration from an approaching human or sense a shadow they will slide away, but might not feel an approaching dog, which is lighter on its feet.

The trust and partnership has issued the following advice for those out and about, to be safe around the reptiles, which hibernate in winter:

  • Keep to the paths and wear sensible shoes - not flip-flops or sandals.
  • If you do get bitten, go straight to hospital.
  • Carry a mobile phone to call for help.
  • Keep dogs on paths and preferably on a lead to prevent them from disturbing and surprising wildlife.

Ten-year-old Mollie Hawker from Poole spent six days in hospital after being bitten on a toe at Turbary Common, Bournemouth in July, and recovered.

However Sadie, a Labrador cross from Broadstone, died after being bitten in a car park at Wareham Forest.

If you spot an adder, you can report it to the Dorset Environmental Records Centre on 01305 225081, giving date and exact location.