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What Snakes Are Found In UK Gardens And Are They Dangerous?
But away from the often described 'cute' animals are those that tend to scare many like the humble snake.
Typically found in long grassed areas, snakes have for long had the reputation of being mean and deadly creatures.
However, the UK is home to many harmless snakes, albeit one venomous species that originates from the UK.
Find out what snakes are found in gardens in the UK and whether they are dangerous to people.
What snakes are found in UK gardens?According to the RSPCA, there are only three native snake species in the UK and can typically be found in the wild or in gardens during warmer weather.
AdderAdder snake. (Image: Getty)
The Adder (Vipera berus) is native to the UK but has been declining across the UK in recent times.
Known as the UK's only venomous snake, it can grow to around 70cm with a distinctive zigzag pattern down their back, red eyes and a vertical pupil.
If an adder were to bite you, it could be very painful but is very rarely fatal, however, you should still seek medical help.
Grass snakeA Grass snake (Natrix helvetica) is often found in England and Wales and mostly in gardens.
The Grass snake usually has olive green colour skin with large eyes and round pupils and can grow to be over a metre long.
The UK natives have distinctive collars behind their heads and are also the only native snake species to lay eggs.
The Grass snake likes to use compost heaps to lay their eggs which are typically sort and leathery eggs.
Left a Smooth snake and on the right a Grass snake. (Image: Getty)
The Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) is the least found snake in the UK but is localised to the south of England and found in heath habitats.
The smallest of the three UK snake species, the Smooth snake only grows to around 55cm in length.
The snake is typically a greyish brown in colour and has a dark stripe down the side of their face, a heart-shaped pattern on their head and a pattern of spots and bars along their back.
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What to do if you find a snake in your garden?The RSPCA shares that if you find a native British snake in your garden you should leave them undisturbed.
You should only contact the RSPCA if the snake is sick or injured.
Popular Tzaneen Surgeon Rushed To ICU After Puff Adder Encounter: What To Do If You Get Bitten
For now, Dr Revelas' practice remains shut while he recovers from the puff adder snake bite.
Tzaneen surgeon Dr Alex Revelas has survived a puff adder bite and is home recovering after a close encounter on his farm last month saw him rushed to ICU.
The surgeon has his own farm near Thabazimbi in Limpopo. Although he practices in town, he also farms in his spare time, where he ran into a puff adder.
According to Wild Explained, Puff adders often live very close to humans and are responsible for more snake bite fatalities than any other African snake.
The Letaba Herald reported that Dr Revelas was rushed to a hospital in the area where he was treated and airlifted to Pretoria for further treatment.
"The anti-venom serum worked, and he received hyperbaric oxygen treatment for five days to treat the wound and complications from the snakebite," his wife Laura said.
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What about his practice?For now, Dr Revelas' practice remains closed while he recovers.
"We are thankful to him back home and grateful for all the prayers and messages of support," Laura added.
ALSO READ : Limpopo clinic reopens its doors after 'large' snake sighting on premises
Are puff adders dangerous?Wild Explained said that the puff adder is a primarily ambush predator, relying on camouflage and patiently waiting to catch unsuspecting prey.
They have a cytotoxic venom that is capable of killing a person in a day if left untreated.
The cytotoxins in the venom cause severe tissue damage around the affected area, leading to swelling and pain. If left untreated, this tissue could die.
Neurotoxins also affect the nervous system, causing paralysis and respiratory distress.
What do when bitten by a puff adder?If you are bitten you should:
NOW READ: Puff adder killed by Luthuli Park learners outside school yard
WATCH: Cape Cobra Devours Puff Adder At Langebaan Lagoon
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