Summer activities bring risk of rattlesnake encounters

People are being advised to be safe and on the lookout for rattlesnakes when enjoying outdoor activities.

The Northern Pacific rattlesnake, which is native to the North Okanagan, can be identified by its stout body with blunt tail and rattle, a triangular head, dark cheeks, light halos around darker blotches and alternating bands near the tail.

A Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (photo courtesy of WildSafe B.C.)

Vanessa Isnardy, program manager with WildSafe B.C., told Vernon Matters that rattlesnakes mostly live near tallow slopes and rocky outcroppings where they can find refuge, and also near bodies of water where they can drink.

Northern Pacific Rattlesnake’s natural habitat (map courtesy of Wildsafe B.C.)

Rattlesnakes can be found in the region between May and October, and will be moving about to regulate their temperature when hot, and basking in the sun as much as possible when cool.

She said people who are hiking or recreating in the North Okanagan should be aware of rattlesnakes, and to wear high boots, especially when going off trail in areas where snakes may be living.

“If you do encounter a rattlesnake and you hear that distinctive rattle, that means you’re a little bit too close. We recommend you stop and try to identify where that rattlesnake is and where it is in proximity to you,” said Isnardy.

“Rattlesnakes can’t strike very far, it has to be a body length in proximity, so if you’re farther away from that, then you can slowly back away from the area and the rattlesnake should settle down.”

In the event that someone comes within striking distance of a rattlesnake, they are advised to wait until the snake calms down, then slowly move away.

“If you do get bitten by a rattlesnake, which is very rare in B.C. but does occasionally happen every year, you do have time to make your way to a hospital,” said Isnardy.

“It’s important you don’t make any incisions or cuts or try to use ice. You want to loosen any restrictive clothing, and get yourself to a hospital. You can even call them in advance and let them know.”

Isnardy added that the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake is a protected species, and that it is not necessary to kill the snake to bring it in for identification as medical staff will know how to treat a rattlesnake bite.

Approximately 30 per cent of rattlesnake bites in B.C. are ‘dry bites,’ meaning no venom is expelled, though Isnardy still recommends people seek medical treatment if bitten.

There is a non-venomous snake species in the North Okanagan, the Great Basin Gopher Snake. Though it does not look like a rattlesnake as it has a slim body, no rattle and a sleek head, it can mimic a rattlesnake by disturbing dried leaves with it’s tail to make a sound similar to a rattle. Though it’s a much less dangerous snake, Isnardy said anyone bitten should still seek medical attention.

Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes (left) and the Greater Basin Gopher Snake (right) (image courtesy of WildSafe B.C.)

Isnardy also reminds dog owners to keep their pets on a leash when out on the trails to avoid the chance of having the dog come in contact with a rattlesnake.

Pets that get bitten should be taken to a vet for emergency care right away.

Rattlesnakes may also come out of their natural habitat and onto a person’s property. In that event, people are advised to stay clear of the snake and call the B.C. Conservation Service at 1-877-952-7277.

More tips on snake safety can be found at WildSafe B.C.’s website.