Resident Lee Hardy reported the sightings on Thursday, September 18, as growing numbers of snakes are being seen across the North East during the late summer sunshine.
Adders at Northumberland’s Simonside Hills(Image: LEE HARDY)
Adders are Britain’s only native venomous snake.
Though shy and rarely aggressive, they can deliver a painful bite if disturbed, and dogs roaming through long grass are particularly at risk.
This year, several pets have needed urgent vet treatment after being bitten in County Durham, including in Frosterley and Hamsterley Forest.
Adders on the path at Northumberland’s Simonside Hills(Image: LEE HARDY)
Experts say the snakes, which grow up to 80cm and are recognisable by their zig-zag patterned backs, are enjoying a resurgence thanks to healthy upland habitats.
Wildlife groups are reminding the public that adders are protected by law and should never be handled or harmed.
Walkers are urged to:
Stick to marked trails
Keep dogs under control
Seek urgent medical or veterinary help if bitten
Confirmed Sighting Locations Include:
Rookhope, Weardale – Captured on camera by Jake Lawson on May 1
Fatfield, Gateshead – Reported by Robert Wells near a fishing pond
Derwent Reservoir, near Consett – Photographed basking in heather by Christopher Bennett
Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve – Regularly seen by Durham Wildlife Trust volunteer Malcolm Wilkinson
Pine Woods, Frosterley – One dog was bitten during a walk with its family
Hamsterley Forest – Another dog, Dora the dachshund, was bitten on a trail in late April
Venom and Risk
Though venomous, adders are non-aggressive and pose very little danger to humans. Bites typically occur only when a snake is stepped on or picked up.
Symptoms of a bite: Pain, swelling, and in rare cases nausea or dizziness
Risk groups: Small children, the elderly, or people with health issues are more vulnerable
Treatment: Seek immediate medical help. Most bites are not life-threatening, but prompt care is essential
Adder and Pet Safety
Recent reports of dogs being bitten in Frosterley and Hamsterley Forest have prompted fresh calls for vigilance.
Advice for Walkers and Dog Owners:
Stick to clear paths and avoid walking through long grass or undergrowth
Keep dogs on leads in known adder habitats during spring and summer
Never try to touch or handle a snake
If your dog is bitten:
Keep them calm and as still as possible
Contact your vet immediately
Avoid touching the bite or applying pressure
If safe, try to remember or photograph the snake for identification