Snakebites are becoming more common in the UK.
Snakebites are becoming more common in Britain
A report has revealed that doctors have seen and treated 300 victims in the past 11 years, including 72 children and teenagers.
Most of those bitten made a complete recovery but some had to be treated in intensive care and one patient had part of their finger amputated due to a bite.
In one case, a reptile conservationist died after being bitten by a king cobra - the world's longest venomous snake.
In the study, the experts found 321 snakebites from 68 species between 2009 and 2020, 15 of which resulted in severe symptoms.
This is an increase in the previously recorded period between 2004 and 2010.
Professor David Warrell from Oxford University said: "Most of these bites occur to fingers, hands and wrists following deliberate handling interaction by people who keep snakes as part of their occupation or hobby."