IF AND when the summer sunshine ever arrives, so could a wave of potential dangers in Dorset.

There is a multitude of beasties itching to take a bite out of you, from man-eating sharks and big cats to angry squirrels.

Here is our wildlife top 10 rogues’ gallery and the threats they could pose to you:

Adder: The adder is the only poisonous snake native to Britain and can be found throughout Dorset and the New Forest. Fortunately no one has died of an adder bite in Britain for more than 20 years.

With proper treatment, the worst effects are nausea and drowsiness.

Females give birth to between five and 25 adders in August and September.

A typical nesting place is under a fallen tree stump or any well protected hollow.

Take care along New Forest tracks on warm days.

If bitten seek medical attention. Local clinics and hospitals hold the appropriate anti-venom.

Weever Fish: Like the thousands of people flocking to Dorset’s beaches, the Weever Fish is attracted to the coastline by warm weather. The fish lies hidden in the sand in shallow water and hands out a nasty sting if stepped on by unsuspecting swimmers.

Victims should immerse the affected foot in water as hot as they can bear for at least 15 minutes. Check for remains of broken spines.

Ticks: These bloodsuckers are found in wooded and grassy areas such as the New Forest. They usually sit at the tops of leaves in bushes so they can attach themselves to animals and humans more easily. Certain ticks carry a disease that can be harmful to humans called Lyme disease.

Remove the tick with tweezers or a loop of cotton as near the head as possible.

Do not attempt to burn it off.

False Widow: This poisonous spider is related to the deadly Black Widow. It arrived from the Canary Isles in a bunch of bananas in 1870 but cold winters have kept numbers low. The pea-sized False Widow’s bite is unlikely to be medically significant.

Wasps: Last week was the peak time for getting stung by wasps and hornets according to home emergency experts Homeserve.

Apparently they become more of a nuisance due to the increased use of jam and honey over the summer months. If you suffer an allergic reaction, seek medical attention. Otherwise a cold compress will reduce the swelling.

Paracetomol will ease any pain and antihistamine cream or tablets may offer relief.

Jellyfish: There are seven species of jellyfish terrorising beaches over the summer months. The biggest danger is from the Portuguese Man O’ War, which trails tentacles up to 100ft long containing a hideously painful sting that can be fatal.

Last year conservationists issued a warning to beach-goers in the south-west after a swarm of eight organisms washed up on beaches on the south coasts of Devon and Cornwall.

If stung apply salt water to the affected area, then warm water followed by an ice pack.

Big Cats: Although not confirmed, there have been local sightings of animals believed to be panthers or pumas.

Some are thought to have escaped from zoos, or are exotic pets that have been released into the wild illegally.

Wild Boar: A growing and serious problem, with reports of wild boar roaming in West Dorset.

They often weigh up to 350 pounds and can be six feet long with a fearsome temper. Bred on farms, some have escaped and established a large population since the 1980s.

Squirrels: No, don’t laugh. These tree-dwelling fur balls have a nasty bite and could carry potentially fatal Lyme disease or rabies.

Experts fear some may have crept into Britain via the channel tunnel. Even worse is their relative the Siberian chipmunk, which is reproducing at an alarming rate. Experts fear some may have crept into Britain via the channel tunnel.

Great White Shark: The star of 1975 film Jaws, increased sea temperatures are luring Great Whites to our shores. Seals are their favourite dish but they will nibble on humans.

Last summer saw a possible sighting off Swanage beach, although they are often confused with harmless basking sharks.

Having said all that, remember the chances of serious injury by any of the above in Dorset and the New Forest are low, so enjoy the rest of your summer!