An adder was discovered in a back garden on School Road in Kirkby-in-Furness on Friday (August 15) by a resident’s pet dogs.
The man carefully moved the reptile to a nearby field, before warning pet owners of the unusual location.
READ MORE: VIDEO: Anger as vandals torch and tear apart historic Barrow Park seated shelter
Taking to a local Facebook group, the man said: “Don’t want to cause a panic or anything but our dogs have just discovered an adder in our back garden on School Road.
“Lived in Kirkby all my life and have seen them down the mosses and up moor, but never round here before – just a shout out to all pet owners really, keep your eyes open, it was about 14” long.
“I’ve got it out of the garden and into the field over the back hedge.”
The snake, around 14 inches long, was carefully moved into a nearby field after being found on School Road (Image: Submitted) Adders are the UK’s only native venomous snake and are protected by law. While their bites can be harmful to pets and humans, they are rarely fatal.
According to UK Wildlife Trusts, Adders are secretive animals and prefer to slither off into the undergrowth rather than confront and bite humans and domestic animals.
Most attacks happen when they are trodden on or picked up – which it is important for people to be aware of – for their own safety as well as their pets.
READ MORE: The roaring twenties – Barrow’s daredevil era of motorbike games
They tend to use their venom to immobilise and kill their prey of small mammals, nestlings and lizards.
They are identifiable as a greyish snake, with a dark and very distinct zig-zag pattern across its back and red eyes.
Males tend to be more silvery-grey in colour, while females are more light or reddish-brown. Black (melanistic) forms are sometimes spotted.
READ MORE: Foulshaw Moss osprey mum last seen capturing fish before 3,000 mile migration
Recently, the RSPCA urged caution as reports of stray snakes traditionally rise in the summer months.
Despite a national increase, Cumbria had recorded just one snake-related incident so far in 2025, down from five the previous year.
Across England and Wales however, the charity received 982 snake-related reports last year, with nearly 400 during the summer – an 18 per cent rise compared with 2023.
Subscribe for just £6 for 6 months in our Summer Flash Sale
If you see an adder or a venomous snake, it’s best to observe it from a safe distance and leave it undisturbed, according to the RSPCA.
If the adder appears injured or sick, or if it’s a non-native species, contact the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.
Comments are closed.