No evidence has been found of a rattlesnake in an area combed by local teams and international experts, using specially trained dogs, the Ministry of Public Works and Environment announced.

Wildlife specialists searched the area of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton from late June and have conducted repeated field inspections.

However, the ministry said on Wednesday that since then, “no physical evidence, including a snake, shed skin, tracks or scent, was identified”.

Jaché Adams, the public works and environment minister, added: “From the outset, the Government’s priority has been the safety of the public and the protection of Bermuda’s environment.

“The reported sighting was considered credible and warranted a comprehensive response.

“Given the potentially serious consequences of a venomous invasive species, it was appropriate to take a precautionary approach while investigations were carried out.

“Government took the necessary steps to protect the public while the matter was thoroughly assessed.”

Residents were alerted about the reptile’s presence on June 26, the day it was understood to have been seen in the Gibbs Hill area of Southampton.

The search operation included the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, the Bermuda Police Service and specialist wildlife teams.

A ministry spokeswoman said that, despite the efforts, no evidence was found to support the presence of a rattlesnake in the reported area.

The DENR will continue to monitor the situation and investigate any credible sightings or reports that may emerge.

“The ministry remains committed to protecting public safety and responding promptly should new information become available,” the spokeswoman added.

“The information received at the outset of the incident, together with all related findings, continues to be reviewed by the relevant agencies as part of the ongoing assessment.”

Mr Adams said on Wednesday: “As Bermuda prepares to celebrate Cup Match, I encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the holiday, whether camping, spending time at our beaches, enjoying our parks or taking part in other outdoor activities.

“As always, the public should remain aware of their surroundings and report any unusual wildlife sightings to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.”

The ministry was asked if the original sighting was still considered credible, given the latest information, as well as whether that initial report was thought to be a hoax or artificially manufactured.

The Royal Gazette also asked what it cost to bring in US-based National Canine Facility to help with the search efforts.

No response to the queries was received by the time of publication.

Residents in the area of the reported sighting had been advised to avoid entering dense vegetation or reaching into areas where visibility was limited.

They were encouraged to remain vigilant and pet owners were asked to keep their animals indoors or under close supervision until further notice.

The ministry said towards the end of June that authorities were sourcing “appropriate antivenom and additional protective equipment to ensure responders are fully prepared should the animal be located”.

It was later confirmed by the Bermuda Hospitals Board that the antivenom was in its internal dispensary.

At the start of July, officials combed 52,000 sq ft of ground over six hours in search of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

The DENR also said then that a photograph of the snake, supplied by the person who reported the original sighting, was believed to be genuine. No video was provided.

The person had at that point been interviewed by DENR and police “multiple times”.

A spokesman said then that, with the sex of the animal unknown, the “reproductive risk cannot be fully dismissed”.

Robert Nozika and Sarah Boese, of National Canine Facility, arrived on the island on July 16 with two Labrador retrievers, K9 Yak and K9 Q, trained to scent the species.

Their search efforts were mainly done at dawn and dusk, when the snakes are generally most active but also at other times throughout a ten-day period.

The ministry thanked all response teams and members of the public for their assistance.