Reports of snake sightings in Bridgend have increased this summer following a record-breaking heatwave that has swept across the UK. Bridgend council has reported receiving a higher number of enquiries than usual regarding snake sightings in the borough, especially in the Rest Bay area of Porthcawl.
It follows new research published in the Clinical Toxicology journal which revealed that more people in the UK are reporting injuries caused by snakebites than ever before. Most of these, however, are said to have been caused as a result of snakes being kept as pets, with Bridgend County Borough Council reassuring residents and visitors that there is very little risk of harm from native species.
Councillor John Spanswick, cabinet member for communities said: "The UK is home to both grass snakes and adders, and while only the adder is toxic, its bite is rarely fatal and can be easily treated. Most reported incidents involve dogs rather than humans, and in the vast majority of cases, a full recovery is made.
