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Western Rattlesnake

Last updated on August 2, 2023

In 2001, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) researchers and provincial biologists teamed up to identify Western Rattlesnake habitat in and around the City of Kamloops. Between 2001 and 2007, 11 new snake dens were found within 2 km of Kamloops.

Urban and Rural Development

Biologists and the City of Kamloops began working together in 2006 to address city growth in snake habitat. As a result, 1400 m of snake fencing was installed along a newer development. The City now requires developers to install snake-proof fencing for new subdivisions in rattlesnake habitat.

Biologists, the City and WildSafeBC continue to do public education and relocate snakes that occasionally show up in backyards. Kamloops Bylaw officers take annual snake training at the BC Wildlife Park. Image of a snake fence These efforts increase public awareness of these shy, non-aggressive snakes. They also stress the importance of maintaining snake-proof fences.

The province is optimistic that the non-aggressive Western Rattlesnake can persist within Kamloops city limits.

Road mortality mitigation

Research by TRU and supported by the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development shows that in the White Lake Basin of the South Okanagan, vehicle traffic kills 400-500 snakes per year. For the already threatened rattlesnake, this could mean local extinction in under 100 years.

Image of White Lake Basin

Joint mitigation efforts of FLNRORD, TRU and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in the White Lake area have focused on installing culverts beneath the road to provide an alternate way for the snakes to cross. This includes installing specialized fencing to direct snakes (and other creatures, including turtles, salamanders and small mammals) to use the culverts. Image of a snake culvertCulvert use and rattlesnake populations continue to be monitored to gauge the effectiveness of this mitigation technique. Nighttime road temperatures are also being measured to test the hypothesis that snakes stop on roads for the warmth they provide.  

Read more about Western Rattlesnakes in the White Lake area in the local news.

Western Rattlesnake
Image of a Western Rattlesnake

Image of a Western Rattlesnake 

Learn more about the Western Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes are protected – it is illegal to harm, kill or capture a rattlesnake in B.C.

Rattlesnakes should only be moved if they are a direct threat to you or your family. Ask a professional to move the snake – contact the B.C. Conservation Officer Reporting Line: 1-877-952-7277.

The Western Rattlesnake, like most vertebrate species in BC,  is protected from capture or killing under the Wildlife Act.