15-05-2025
Advice issued after North Wales holidaymaker hospitalised by venomous snake
Coastguards have issued advice about Anglesey's venomous snakes after a holidaymaker was bitten by one. Liverpool's Mick Lancaster, 68, spent a painful night in hospital when his leg ballooned.
He'd suffered an apparent adder bite on a beach at Rhosneigr, Anglesey. Since then, several visitors have shared photos of adders from the resort – one was labelled 'dinky but potentially deadly'.
It's sparked a heated online debate about the threat posed by adders, Britain's only native venomous snake. While some people shared stories of being bitten, and the threat to dogs, others leapt to the defence of a 'beautiful' creature that will only strike if provoked or they feel threatened.
Adders can be found almost anywhere in Wales but are more prevalent in heathland, moorland and coastal areas. Sand dunes around Rhosneigr offer good habitats and the area is renowned for its snakes – one was spotted on school playing fields a few weeks ago. Slow worms are also abundant here too.
Following Mick Lancaster's hospital visit, the Rhosneigr Coastguard Rescue Team felt compelled to issue some 'adder advice'. While the snake's venom can cause pain and swelling, in more serious cases victims can suffer nausea, vomiting and even shock.
In such cases, people should 'seek medical help immediately,' said the team. 'Go to the nearest hospital or emergency department. Stay calm – avoid movement as much as possible to slow down the spread of venom.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Last week's adder bite was at Traeth Crigyll Beach, a vast expanse of golden sand that's the bigger of Rhosneigr's two beaches. Crigyll is separated from the RAF Valley base by a large area of dunes and grassland, a popular spot for walkers and the occasional plane spotter.
Aware of the potential threat posed by adders, one woman recalled how she recently spoke to sunbathers on the beach who'd pitched up a little too close to the dunes. 'I got either abuse or people who thought I was crazy,' she said on social media.
To some extent, this is understandable, as there are plenty of people who have never encountered a snake in the wild. 'I've been visiting Anglesey for 45 years up to six times a year,' said a Cheshire woman online. 'Never have I ever seen an adder!'
Anglesey's dog walkers are attuned to the threat as their pets are more likely to come across one. Despite keeping her eyes peeled for snakes, a Gaerwen owner said her whippet was bitten by an adder in late April. 'She was very ill but is making a good recovery,' she said online.
Other dog owners shared photos of adder bites and tips for what what to do if it happens. One woman described how her dog recently had a close call. 'One of our dogs was bitten by an adder in Aberffraw," she said. "Luckily the venom didn't get into her system and she was okay.'
Although a black labrador died after being bitten in Amlwch in 2018, Anglesey is no more dangerous than other coastal areas in Wales. While there are west coast hotspots in places like South Stack, Holyhead Mountain, the Range and Newborough Warren, human bites are so rare that they become newsworthy when they happen.
Since 1876 there have been 14 recorded human deaths from adder bites, and none since 1975. In England and Wales, bees and wasps have killed 60 times more people than adders.
Some people worry the rush to issue safety advice, and post social media photos, risks tarnishing a reptile that only wants to be left to its own devices. A Liverpool angler who regularly visits Anglesey said there was too much 'scaremongering'.
'Encountered many many adders over my time,' he said online. 'Never has one been aggressive, most times they'll curl up or try and get out of your way.
'My advice when walking through adders' favourite environments is, don't walk looking at your feet, look 10ft+ ahead. You may be amazed what you see moving out of your way before you get there.'
In the warm weather, adders are basking in the sun to gain enough energy for mating later in the summer. During this period, they are particularly vulnerable to disturbance, said North Wales Wildlife Trust.
It advises people to keep their distance, avoid trampling vegetation and 'not to handle adders'. The Trust cautioned it's time to beat a retreat if they 'raise their heads in a defensive posture'. If you spot one from a distance, count yourself lucky for having seen the majestic creature before it slithers away.
If bitten, victims suffer little or no effect in about 70% of cases and they are easily treated. However, as outcomes can be potentially very serious, the NHS advises people to get all snake bites checked as soon as possible. Vets warn likewise with dogs.
It's advice echoed by Rhosneigr Coastguards. 'Yes adders are venomous snakes and their venom can cause a painful bite that may lead to local inflammation,' they said. 'While not typically life-threatening for healthy adults, adder bites can be serious for children, the elderly or individuals with pre-existing health conditions and also your pets.
'It's crucial to seek immediate medical attention if bitten.'
