Rattlesnakes out early this spring in Southern Interior

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.

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