DOG owners are being warned to watch out for venomous adders after one animal reportedly died after being bitten at a beauty spot near Ulverston.
A walker contacted the Evening Mail after a small Spaniel type dog was bitten by an adder coming out of hibernation at Birkrigg Common.
Adders are one of only three types of snakes native to Britain.
The venomous snake hibernates between October and spring, coming out when the sun is warm enough to give them energy to move.
Adders can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, coastal dunes, hillsides and moors.
The snakes can grow to around 90cm in length but are usually much smaller.
They have a grey or brown coloured body with a distinct zigzag pattern along their back. Occasionally they can be completely black.
Have you spotted an adder at Birkrigg Common? Get in touch by emailing amy.fenton@nwemail.co.uk
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