Warning signs have gone up on Burnham Marina alerting people to the danger of adders along the sea wall.
The snakes use the sea wall to sunbathe and in the past have bitten people and dogs when they have been disturbed.
Reports have included a Jack Russell that was bitten after chasing an adder and a man who was bitten after moving an adder that was blocking the path for his young son.
Graham Game, development manager at Essex Wildlife Trust commented: "Adders are particularly common at this time of year. If people are foolish enough to pick one up they could well get bitten. Unless they're disturbed they will slither away into some sort of cover."
Published Monday, June 23, 2003
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