Multiple adders and other snakes have been spotted all across Sussex according to the most recent sighting data.

Records from the Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK show that 15 snakes have been spotted in East and West Sussex.

While most of those spotted have been adders, the only venomous snake in the UK, grass snakes and a smooth snake have also been reported in the area.

A group of adder sightings was recorded around Lewes, Seaford, Ripe and Berwick between March and April of this year.

Sightings were also reported just north of Lancing as well as north of Arundel.

Other Adder sightings include in Linch, Ardingly and Crowborough.

In Mid Sussex, grass snakes were spotted near Billingshurst, Burgess Hill and Lower Beeding.

One grass snake was also reported in Rye while one smooth snake was also seen in Robertsbridge.

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Advice from the RSPCA has been to be wary with their pets after a dog was killed by an adder bite in Weymouth earlier this year.

Adders are generally more active in the spring and early summer having just come out of hibernation, and their venom is more potent.

The adder is grey in colour and has a dark zig-zag pattern down its back, and a red eye.

If you believe your dog may have been bitten by an adder, experts advise you to speak to a vet immediately.

Dr Angela Julian, Coordinator, Amphibians and Reptile Groups UK (ARG UK) said: "The Adder has historically been a victim of poor public relations due to misinformation and a lack of education and realistic information. We very much hope that a more informed approach to conservation and less 'sensationalist', coupled with more responsible and enlightened reporting in the press, will help over turn previous misconceptions.

"Sadly, evidence from long-term monitoring suggests that the most striking of our three native snakes, the adder, appears to be declining rapidly across many parts of the UK, and faces local extinction in many counties.

"Alongside habitat loss and fragmentation, historic persecution of this snake is likely to be an important reason for these declines, even though along with all our other native reptiles it is protected from killing or injury by law.

"As the UK’s only venomous snake, adders have long suffered a negative public image, and naturally secretive, it is easy to misunderstand these vulnerable creatures, and underestimate their role as an indicator of a healthy environment."

Dr Julian also urged anyone out in the countryside to act responsibly, respect the natural habitat of snakes, and to keep their dogs under control.

She said: "The presence of small numbers of adders in some parts of Sussex should be seen a positive sign of a still healthy ecosystem supporting a diverse range of species.

"We need to understand that adders are special and important, and learn how to live harmoniously alongside them. Therefore, if you do see an adder, be respectful of it, step back to give it space to move away, keep your dog under close control, and under no circumstance try to touch it or pick it up. If you do spot any reptile or amphibian, please record them on www.recordpool.org.uk and support the conservation effort by our amazing ARG volunteers."