SNAKES are being blamed for bite marks appearing on dogs' paws after they have been walked on a busy field.

At least three dogs are reported to have been bitten by a snake on Claines Recreation Ground along Cornmeadow Lane.

Known locally as the Rec, it is a popular field for dog walkers and there is also a park for children on the field next to 8th Worcester Scout Group's hall.

The reports on social media suggest the snake could have been an adder, the UK's only venomous snake which is protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. 

Councillor Karen Lawrance (Claines/Lib dem) said grass snakes may have been responsible for the puncture marks.

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She said: "I have heard three reports of adders on the Rec field but it was certainly news to me when I heard it.

"The dogs were all taken to vets in Birmingham after being bitten and I obviously hope they are okay.

"But if there are adders in the area that is good news from an ecological sense.

"Of course, there are grass snakes as well which are more common so it could still have been grass snakes.

"I think people certainly need to be respectful of the wildlife in the area so it is something certainly to monitor."

A spokesperson from Worcestershire Wildlife Trust said it was more likely to have been a grass snake rather than an adder.

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Wendy Carter said: "Sadly, adder numbers have plummeted in Worcestershire over the last few years and they’re only known to exist in a couple of parts of the county these days.  

"It’s always possible that small populations of adders are clinging on in a few places but, in this case, it’s more likely that if any dogs were bitten by a snake it was a grass snake.

"Grass snakes are much more common across Worcestershire and are found in a range of habitats.

"Both adders and grass snakes are rather shy creatures and will quietly slip away rather than attack.

"Adders much prefer to use the venom to subdue prey than waste it in defence.

"Grass snakes are not venomous but do have teeth so can bite if threatened.

"Before that happens, however, they usually hiss loudly and strike with their mouth closed in an attempt to scare away the threat."

Anyone who sees a snake anywhere in Worcestershire can submit images to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust by visiting www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-sightings and the species can be confirmed.