WALKERS are being warned that poisonous adders are at large in Dartford and Gravesend.

Figures released this week by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reveal adders are biting people in north Kent and with the sun enticing them out of hibernation, they pose a real risk to the public.

During the past two years, there have been 196 adder bites reported to the agency, including one from the Dartford post code area.

Owner of Eynsford-based Eagle Heights Wildlife Park Alan Ames told News Shopper: “There are hundreds of snakes in the area, particularly grass snakes and adders.

“This sunshine is the perfect weather for them to be out, especially as it’s been so cold and wet.

“If you walk slowly and look under bushes where there are little patches of sunlight that’s where you’ll see them.”

Mr Ames says he is almost certain adders live on Dartford Heath and he has already seen the snakes himself on Bluebell Hill in Medway, just 12 miles from Gravesend.

The wildlife expert added: “You tend to find them where there’s a lot of gorse and they like sandy soil.

“You also need a habitat where there is prey for them - they like small mammals such as voles.”

Bitten by an adder himself on a school field trip aged 17, Mr Ames says you are “unlikely” to die from an adder bite.

National poisons information centre director Professor Simon Thomas said: “Although almost all poisonings from adder bites produce relatively minor effects, the illnesses they lead to can be extremely unpleasant.

“And it’s worth remembering that the effects from these bites can be more serious, though this is rare.

“The bite can have very nasty effects, especially in smaller children - sometimes the venomous adder can be mistaken for non-venomous species such as the grass snake or smooth snake, making people think it is safe to pick them up.”

The HPA advises anyone bitten by a snake to seek urgent medical attention.

Have you seen any snakes in north Kent?

Email your pictures to awoods@london.newsquest.co.uk and Alan Ames will identify the species.