Venomous snakes spotted on campus at Cambridge University

A number of venomous snakes have been spotted on the grounds at Cambridge University college - prompting fears for the animals' safety.

Students at Robinson College have been issued with a warning to treat the animals with respect and to steer clear of the creatures.

According to the Cambridge News, the email said: "Dear College Members and Staff. There have been several sightings of snakes probably including adders around the wildlife areas of the college... The advice from the Forestry Commission, which is also our recommendation, is to treat adders (and other snakes) with respect and leave them alone."

Phil Barber, a snake and reptile expert at Shepreth Wildlife Park, said they will leave people alone if they are left alone.

He added that if bitten, you should seek medical advice, saying: "Adders' venom is not dangerous venom and there has never been a fatality from an adder's bite in the UK but you may be allergic to the venom and should get medical advice."

Adders are the only venomous snakes found in the wild in Britain.

According to the Forestry Commission: "Adders have the most highly developed venom injecting mechanism of all snakes, but they are not aggressive animals. Adders will only use their venom as a last means of defence, usually if caught or trodden on."

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