Rattlesnake warning issued for southern Interior of B.C.
The warm spring has rattlesnakes out of their dens early in B.C., prompting a warning to hikers to stay on trails and to keep their dogs on a leash.
Several dogs have been bitten and killed in recent years, says expert
The warm spring has rattlesnakes out of their dens early in B.C., prompting a warning to hikers to stay on trails and to keep their dogs on a leash.
Frank Ritcey, the provincial coordinator for Wildsafe B.C., says rattlesnakes are usually harmless, unless they are agitated or spooked.
"Over the years a number of dogs have received bites and some have died as result, here in Kamloops," said Ritcey.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes are found in the province's dry south-central interior valleys, including the Okanagan-Similkameen, Thompson, Nicola and Kettle valleys, as well as the Lytton-Lillooet portion of the Fraser Canyon.
Ritcey said people should consider themselves lucky if they see a rattlesnake as very few people ever get the chance.