Mum and daughter 'critical' after being bitten by nest of adders in UK beauty spot

A mum and daughter were bitten by adders after accidentally disturbing a nest while out walking. The incident happened on the Devon Coast at Braunton Burrows, near Barnstaple.

Braunton Burrows is a popular beauty spot in the area and is the largest dune system in England. The pair are said to have been bitten multiple times by the snakes.

A friend of the woman and her daughter Jo Gray told Devon Live: "My friend and her daughter spent last night in the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition after being bitten by adders on the Braunton Burrows. They may have disturbed a nest or a pair of mating adders as her daughter was bitten twice.”

She explained that the pair had cut through to take a shortcut to the beach when they were attacked by the snakes.

"This was not on one of the main paths, but one of the cut-throughs to the beach. Please take care and wear appropriate footwear and leg coverings if walking. They are both going to be okay after a really scary night but will be in hospital a little while longer."

Both victims were treated with anti-venom and are now recovering in hospital.

A spokesman said: "North area volunteer driver Lee was dispatched to meet Freewheelers EVS volunteer rider Colin at Junction 25 of the M5 at 11.45 pm to collect a package containing anti-snake venom treatment which was needed urgently by North Devon District Hospital. 

“The handover took place just before midnight and Lee safely delivered it to the staff at the hospital just after 1 am on Saturday.”

Although adders are the only poisonous snake in the UK, deaths from their bites are extremely rare, with just 14 fatalities recorded since 1876. However, serious reactions can occur, and people should remain vigilant when walking in moorlands and coastal dunes.

Jo Gray adds: "My friend is still in the intensive care unit but all being well should make a full recovery. Her daughter is out of the ICU but is still in the hospital.

"When she came round this morning after being sedated through the night her first concern was to make others aware of the potential dangers of a seemingly harmless adder bite - hence my post, upon her request.

"Both my friend and her daughter are fit and healthy and have walked the burrows day in and day out for years.”

Adder bites can be more serious for dogs than humans, but luckily Jo Gray confirmed “Her dog got off scott free”. 

Braunton Burrows Public Information has subsequently issued a warning, saying: "Adders are found throughout Braunton Burrows just as they are in many North Devon coastal and countryside spots during the summer. This information is carried on Burrows visitor boards.

"They like to bask in the sunshine so at this time of year it always pays to be vigilant especially when using paths off the beaten track with poor line of sight. Adders are not aggressive by nature but will react in defence usually when stepped on or disturbed by dogs.

Brauntoncountrysidecentre.org says: “Symptoms in dogs will be obvious pain, swelling, bruising and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has been bitten, please get them to a vet asap who will administer anti-venom and steroids.”