Dead Man's Fingers: Scottish dog owners warned as poisonous plant found on beaches
The police have told people in the local area “do not touch”.
Dog owners have been urged to be vigilant after poisonous plants were found washed up in several areas of the coastline in Argyll and Bute.
Local police said they had received a report of a toxic plant, known as hemlock root, found at sporadic points along the shoreline of Loch Gilp in Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead.
Hemlock root, otherwise known as “dead man's fingers”, is one of the most poisonous plants in the UK.
The roots look like parsnips and can be fatal to humans and animals if ingested.
The plant is common in coastal areas.
The sighting in Argyll and Bute comes after hemlock root washed up on beaches at Drigg and Parton in Cumbria.
On Friday, the Millom Coastguard Rescue Team said the plant’s appearance on the shoreline was likely due to recent stormy weather
Police are urging people in the local area to not touch the plant and keep dogs and any other animals away.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.