KENT & SUSSEX COURIER (UK) 02 September 10 Snake bite leaves man in need of hospital treatment (Sam Satchel)
A dog-walker required emergency treatment after he "shook hands" with a venomous snake.
Graham Levett, of Stonedene Close, Forest Row, was walking his dogs in the fields behind his house when an adder bit him.
He was taken to East Surrey Hospital in severe pain and nursing a swollen arm in a sling, for which he is still taking painkillers.
He said: "I was out in the fields with the dogs and one of them went to grab this snake.
"I put my hand down and took the strike instead of Freckles. It could have killed her.
"She's very inquisitive and wanted to put her nose into something she shouldn't have.
"I just happened to stop her and the next thing I knew, I had a snake hanging off my finger.
"I flicked it off and rushed home to phone the paramedics.
"It shocked me and my whole arm blew up."
Graham, who is in his 50s, gets up at 4am every day to walk his dogs, Freckles and Wolf.
"He had moved into his new home only four days before the attack three weeks ago.
"I was more worried about the dogs," he added. "I have seen snakes before, but I always make sure I don't interfere. I was the unlucky one to shake hands with the snake.
"There's plenty of kids around here, so people need to beware of snakes. It really hurt, so I dread to think how it would affect a kid."
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service founder Trevor Weeks collapsed after being bitten by an adder in June.
He said: "Snakes live in the countryside so there's always that risk. Very few people get bitten in the UK and we have thousands of adders here.
"They are fantastic creatures and I certainly wouldn't advocate removing them from anywhere.
"They are the only venomous snakes in the country, so I think we have to count ourselves lucky.
"Adder attacks are extremely rare. You have more chance of winning the lottery and I know which one I'd prefer."
Snake bite leaves man in need of hospital treatment

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