Avoiding Adders Dorset

[rogertb]

Hi - hope this is the correct site/forum for this sort of general question, if not maybe someone could point me in the right direction please.

I live in Dorset UK - our stunning local 'heath' has a lot of adders, no problem there, but I like to walk my dog in the area and am concerned about her getting bitten, I understand that early in the day adders are waking up and warming themselves and are a bit slow and should be avoided ... are there any times of the day or preferred weather conditions or times of the year when walking the dog would be a little 'safer'.

Many thanks for taking the time.

Roger

[Boddie]

As a general rule adders will bask in the sun and hence are more likely to be visible to your dog. If it is of a curious nature then it could find them regardless but if it were I I'd be more tempted to walk out when basking weather is not so prevalent.

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by rogertb

I live in Dorset UK - our stunning local 'heath' has a lot of adders, no problem there, but I like to walk my dog in the area and am concerned about her getting bitten, I understand that early in the day adders are waking up and warming themselves and are a bit slow and should be avoided ... are there any times of the day or preferred weather conditions or times of the year when walking the dog would be a little 'safer'.

As far as times of the year -from late Autumn to early Spring the adders will be in hibernation so you have several months that are adder free. It's usually considered that the first few weeks after emergence in the Spring is the most dangerous period because each snake will have a full venom load and is likely to be more often torpid after cold nights - however the only way to keep your dog wholly safe is to keep it on a lead and stick to well trodden paths.

CM

[Ukwildlifeo]

If the dog is under control there will be no problems. The issues arise when the dog is running off the path through the vegetation (this also disturbs nesting birds). Avoid this and there shouldn't be a problem

[rogertb]

Thank you so much chaps, well I guess I'll avoid the area until the winter, and maybe try late afternoons with caution ... good of you all to take the time ... Roger