A rare black adder sighting near an Anglesey beach has come amid an alert for pet owners.
A father and his son, who are not fans of snakes, were surprised to stumble upon the unusual creature. This comes as a veterinary poisons service issued warnings about a rise in snake bites this spring. The season for adders is now in full swing following their winter hibernation, with sightings of the venomous reptile reported across Anglesey and Gwynedd recently.
David Wall and his son Hugo, from Trearddur Bay, encountered the rare variety on their way to Borth Wen beach, Rhoscolyn. Male adders are usually silvery-grey and females reddish-brown, but this one was black. Its identity as an adder was confirmed by the characteristic zig-zag pattern on its back.
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David, a financial adviser who admits to being terrified of snakes, said: “I kept my son and our dog well away and usually I would have done the same. But as I wanted proof of what we’d seen, to show my wife, I got out my camera.”, reports North Wales Live.
(Image: David Wall/Daily Post Wales)
He added: “It appeared to be bathing in the sun. It may not have been there long as it was still a little dazed – it hung around for the 10 seconds I needed to get the photo. As soon as I took it, the snake scarpered off.”
David concluded: “I gather it’s very rare to see a black adder. In fact, this was the first snake I’ve seen on Anglesey, let alone a black one.”
Black adders are the melanistic variety of the adder, born with increased black pigmentation (melanin) that allows them to be more stealthy in certain environments. Plus, their dark attire isn’t just for show it helps them heat up quicker when they’re soaking up the sun.
When David chucked a snap of his and Hugo’s slithery find onto social media, it sparked a mix of horror and banter among web users. “Did you see Baldrick as well? ” quipped one cheeky chap.
Adders might have a reputation for being Britain’s only venomous snake, but they’re not out to pick a fight they’d rather leg it than tangle with people. In fact, the last time a snakebite killed someone in Britain was in 1975 – you’re more likely to cop it from a bee or wasp sting.
Spotting one of these stunning serpents is usually seen as a bit of a treat. But our furry friends aren’t quite so lucky; curiosity can land them in trouble.
(Image: David Wall /WALES NEWS SERVICE)
Just last week, the London-based Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) flagged up a rise in adder bite reports. They’ve been dishing out advice on what to do if your pet gets nipped.
Pet owners are advised not to tamper with the bite site or apply a tourniquet. If possible, they should carry their pets to their vehicles and rush them to the vet.
“Do not delay seeking advice even if your pet is well,” warned the VPIS, adding that, “As things can change quickly.”
Symptoms may include rapid swelling, lethargy, vomiting, bleeding and collapse.
With the rain easing off, there has been an increase in adder sightings in northwest Wales, particularly on the Llyn Peninsula. The snakes have been seen at Morfa Nefyn and further west, at Plas Rhiw and nearby Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth).
Another sighting was reported on the headland between Porth Cariad and Abersoch. There was also a report from Black Rock Sands, Morfa Bychan.
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