Malvern Hills Trust issued advice regarding safety around adders, with the hills landscape one of the last remaining places for the declining species in the county.
The grasslands, heathlands and scrub can be home to adders, which the trust referred to as a “misunderstood” species.
A spokesperson for the trust advised dog owners to avoid potential bites, which happen when the snake feels threatened.
READ MORE: ‘Snakes’ bite dogs on ‘The Rec’ Claines Recreation Ground
The spokesperson said: “To help avoid disturbance of this creature, please keep your dog under close control and in sight at all times.
An adder bite is a last resort when the adder feels threatened or is harmed – this can be triggered by loose dogs running and rooting around in the undergrowth.
“The adder is protected by law and a shy retiring species by nature, therefore please be respectful to the species and its habitat by keeping your dogs close and remain on footpaths when visiting this special site.
“If your dog has been bitten by an adder or you suspect that it has, take your pet immediately to a vet for treatment.”
The adder can be found between March to October in fair weather and usually slither away before they are spotted.
READ MORE: ‘Snakes’ bite dogs on ‘The Rec’ Claines Recreation Ground
The presence of adders has also been reported on a popular playing field in Worcester.
At least three dogs are reported to have been bitten by a snake on Claines Recreation Ground along Cornmeadow Lane.
Known locally as the Rec, it is a popular field for dog walkers and there is also a park for children on the field next to the 8th Worcester Scout Group’s hall.
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However, a spokesperson from Worcestershire Wildlife Trust said it was more likely to have been a grass snake rather than an adder.
Wendy Carter said: “It’s always possible that small populations of adders are clinging on in a few places but, in this case, it’s more likely that if any dogs were bitten by a snake it was a grass snake.
“Grass snakes are much more common across Worcestershire and are found in a range of habitats.
“Grass snakes are not venomous but do have teeth so can bite if threatened. Before that happens, however, they usually hiss loudly and strike with their mouth closed in an attempt to scare away the threat.”
