Adder warning signs.

[demicav]

Does anyone on here agree with signs being put up warning people that adders are in a certain area ? When I was in Pwllheli in North Wales recently I stumbled on them accidently ( see adders in Pwllheli ), there were no signs up and it was clear that not many people knew about them as they were walking through the area with children running about and dogs off the lead. I even had people walking past me as I was taking pictures, totally oblivious. I never said anything to anyone as the snakes were obviously the more frightened species, I didn't believe there was any danger and I didn't want to compromise the safety of the adders. Since returning home I've been asked by numerous people if warning signs should be in place. This would worry me for 2 reasons, firstly it would draw alot more people to the snakes and could be unsettling for them. Secondly I've no doubt it would attract people with intent to harm and kill. What's your views ?

[thwick in 'ead]

This is a difficult one demicav. The most important thing is that the adders are protected, but there have been cases of dogs being bitten and dying. One of the problems we have in this country is that many people don't like the idea of wild animals that are capable of defending themselves, in fact they don't like the idea of "wild" at all, which is why I believe gardening is such a compulsion for some. A few years ago there was a call from an MP to eradicate the adder, thankfully for once common sense prevailed (something that seems in short supply in Parliament!). I would say "no signs" because of the very threat you mention by idiots who would just love to go out and kill them.

[Za]

The adders must have been there for a long time without signs,and so there wouldnt appear to be any need to put up signs now.
I dont see that any good would come of advertising their presence as they dont seem to be going on a mad killing spree
It would probably cause more danger for both the adders and people by putting signs up as it would increase the amount of people going there to try and find them,either just to watch them, or capture/kill them.

[nightshade]

Too many people with adder phobias, there was a picnic site famous for adders
(so I have been told) they put up signs and snakes were killed, again anecdotal
but from what I can deduce it was near Cheltenham

[buzfuz8149]

I would never put a sign post up about any wild life - they have a tough time of it as it is, fortunately most people never notice what is around them. (Thank Goodness)

Carol.

[Kerry]

Adders are common all across the Llyn Peninsular and you would need hundreds upon hundreds of signs. You are likely to bump into them anywhere, except of course if you have your camera with you and are specifically looking for them. If people don't like adders then they shouldn't visit the Llyn. No wildlife should be sign posted as some idiot always wants to ruin things.

Kerry

[demicav]

Thanks for your replies. I really am shocked that an MP called for the eradication of adders, what a sad uneducated person. They really do need to be respected and protected and as I'm discovering, most people agree that signs are a bad thing.

[richardkm]

Originally Posted by demicav

I really am shocked that an MP called for the eradication of adders, what a sad uneducated person.

Aren't the majority of MPs like that, especially when it comes to what is needed by the electorate or what is best for the country and its wildlife!!