As summer gets into full swing, a number of county leisure spots may be a hotbed for snakes. 

With three native species and only one that is venomous, there are a number of locations in Norfolk where the reptiles are most likely to be found. 

Andrew Dellbridge, a pest controller with 35 years of experience dealing with Norfolk critters, said: "Snakes can be split into two groups; hot and wet.

READ MORE: Adder warning in Norfolk as venomous snakes come out to bask

"Adders like the heat and will seek out any areas with hot and sandy soil, such as Breckland and the coastlines where it is more dry and arid.

"Grass snakes and smooth snakes prefer grassy areas with plenty of moisture where they can feed on small amphibians and insects. 

"Broadland and the Broads make for the perfect habitat, but they can be found anywhere with heathland and vegetation."

According to Mr Dellbridge, snakes' diets consist primarily of insects, frogs, toads, mice, newts and smaller mammals which they will begin to hunt once emerging from hibernation in the spring. 

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust issued a statement earlier this year to warn beachgoers to mind their steps around Norfolk's coasts as adders were coming out to bask in the sun.

READ MORE: American snake found on the loose in Norfolk woodland

And the RSPCA said emergency calls regarding snakes on the loose peak during the summer months, with the pets becoming more active in the heat.

But grass snakes, smooth snakes, and slow worms - which are technically legless lizards - are harmless and best left alone.

"Just like any other animal that can be considered a pest," Mr Dellbridge added. "The best practice is to give them distance and leave them well enough alone."

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."