Three places wild snakes have been spotted in Oldham

While walking her dog at Dovestone Reservoir, she took a break on a nearby rock to enjoy a spot of lunch when she spotted something moving.

Upon further inspection the "petrified" woman, who wished to remain anonymous, realised it was a snake - just off the main path "near a little stream".

Dove Stone Reservoir was one of three locations where snakes have been found in Oldham (Image: Martin Gaskell)

"It was a long time ago around 12 years ago," she said.

"I had took my dog with me, a little king Charles, I was sat on a rock having some food and he was sniffing around when I saw movement.

"At a closer look I realised it was a snake - well I have never moved so fast, I grabbed my dog and stood on top of the rock petrified."

The adder is the UK's largest venomous animal (Image: Getty Images)

However, it is not the only snake encounter in the borough, two other Oldhamers have stumbled across a snake in separate locations.

One man discovered a grass snake while out hiking in Strinesdale, while another woman came across a single adder at Tandle Hill Country Park, Royton, "five to six years ago".

While grass snakes are completely harmless, adders are the UK's largest venomous animal.

A Facebook post sent by reporter Joe Yates in an Oldham group, revealed the three locations where residents have encountered snakes in the borough (Image: Facebook)​

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The reptile however, is rarely a threat to humans and dogs but the NHS urges those bitten to call 999 and visit the nearest A&E.

The Oldham Times has contacted the Wildlife Trust for comment.

Have you had an encounter with a snake in Oldham and its surrounding areas and would like to share your experience? Email joe.yates@newsquest.co.uk, or alternatively follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @JMYjourno and send him a direct message