Two walkers who came across this adder walking on Bodmin Moor have warned people to take care.

The snake was coming towards the walkers on the track leading up Caradon Hill on the Pensilva side. The walkers said it actually reared up at them.

The RSPCA advises: ’Found in limited areas of England, Wales and Scotland, this snake has distinctive zig-zag markings along the body and a dark-coloured ‘V’ on the head. Females give birth to an average of eight live young in August/September.

’Adders prefer open habitats (heathland, moorland, woodland), hunting small mammals and lizards.

’Adders avoid humans wherever possible, but if you do come across one don’t try to touch it! The adder is our only venomous snake and the majority of bites occur when a snake is disturbed or deliberately antagonised.

’Death from adder bites is rare in humans as the venom is not very potent, but bites are painful and can become more serious if left untreated. If somebody is bitten, keep as calm and quiet as possible and seek immediate medical help.

’Adder bites can be extremely dangerous to pets (particularly if the animal is bitten on the face), causing swelling, bleeding or fever, and dogs walked in adder habitats during spring and summer are more at risk. Animals with suspected adder bites should be kept as quiet and calm as possible, and examined urgently by a vet.’

The RSPCA’s 24-hour helpline is 0300 1234 999.