REPORTS of snakes biting dogs on a popular city playing field have been ruled as unlikely.
At least three dogs were reported to have been bitten by a snake on Claines Recreation Ground along Cornmeadow Lane.
The reports suggested the bites could have been from an adder, the UK's only venomous snake which is protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
READ MORE: 'Snakes' bite dogs on 'The Rec' Claines Recreation Ground
Worcester City Council invited a Worcestershire-based, independent ecologist to investigate the likelihood of adders.
The conclusion was that the habitat was poor for adders and missing the staple food source for juvenile adders - the common lizard.
Cllr Karen Lawrance, Claines ward councillor, said adders have not existed in the city for decades.
She said: "Adders are restricted to the southern part of the Malvern Hills and the Wyre Forest in declining numbers and are expected to be extinct by 2032.
"The wounds might have come from grass snakes but again this is unlikely as these will avoid contact by playing dead and emitting a foul smell. Added to that the habitat is far from ideal for grass snakes.
"As there are no adders there will be no requirement for signage or additional safety precautions in the area."
READ MORE: Reports of snakes at Claines 'Rec' are being looked into
Cllr Lawrance invited members of the public to get in contact with her if they had any information or concerns.
She said: "Unless anyone has hard evidence of the presence of these snakes then we must assume these reported injuries to three dogs were caused by say, insect bites, or puncture wounds caused by tough vegetation.
"The owners are welcome to contact me if they have further information at karen.lawrance@worcestercity.net."
Grass snakes are more common across Worcestershire and are found in a range of habitats.
Adders prefer to use the venom to subdue prey instead of attacking, and grass snakes are not venomous but can bite if threatened.
They usually hiss loudly and strike with their mouth closed in an attempt to scare any threats.
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.
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