Residents on Gibbs Hill Road and surrounding areas remained on high alert yesterday after reported sightings of a rattlesnake.

Speaking with The Royal Gazette, people admitted to feeling concerned and being on constant watch at the start of the week.

It is understood that the venomous reptile was first spotted by a construction worker on Friday afternoon.

The animal was reported to authorities before it slithered away into the bushes.

Cathy Lord was being “extra cautious” as she tended to her garden in the area.

Ms Lord said: “I think everybody is concerned. How the hell did it get here?

“I have never before heard of any snake that we would have to be concerned about.”

She added: “My friend said to me, ‘I thought I only had to worry about flying cockroaches.’ ”

Another woman, who did not wish to be named, said she became aware of the snake only after a neighbour came to warn her.

She said: “It’s very dangerous — if that’s got eggs here, then we have the beginning of a problem.”

A co-ordinated effort to locate the animal is under way with teams from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as well as the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.

As of last night, it remained unclear as to whether any more sightings of the snake had been reported and if the appropriate anti-venom had been sourced.

Anyone who believes they have seen the reptile is asked to call 911.

If it can be done from a safe distance, people should keep sight of the snake until authorities arrive.

Members of the public are urged not to attempt to approach, capture or harm the animal.