Hikers are advised to keep dogs on leash to prevent conflicts with rattlesnakes.
Image Credit: Frank Ritcey/ WildSafe B.C.
April 07, 2016 - 11:43 AM
KAMLOOPS - Rattlesnakes are out a early in the Thompson-Okanagan this year thanks to the warm weather.
WildSafe B.C. coordinator Frank Ritcey in Kamloops says they don't normally start getting rattlesnake reports until the end of April.
Ritchey suggests people should keep dogs on their leashes when out hiking.
“A dog off leash is much more likely to be bit by a rattlesnake,” he says.
The region has six different snake species Ritcey says, but only rattlesnakes are venomous.
Rattlesnakes are an at-risk species. They rarely attack unless provoked.
It’s uncommon for humans to get bitten by a rattlesnake, but if you do, get yourself to a hospital immediately for anti-venom.
For more information about rattlesnakes, visit WildSafe B.C.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Brendan Kergin or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016