Snakes in British Columbia

British Columbia has 11 recorded snake species, of which 1 is venomous. That is a small total by continental standards, and it reflects how Canada's cold climate sharply limits snake diversity across the country.

Snakes are cold-blooded, so the long, cold northern winters set a hard ceiling on how many species can survive this far north. To get through the winter, many British Columbia snakes hibernate communally, gathering in large numbers in shared underground dens called hibernacula where deep, frost-free shelter is scarce. They emerge in spring once temperatures climb, then must feed and breed within a short active season.

The single venomous species here is the western rattlesnake, found in the hot, dry interior valleys of the province's south. It is shy and avoids people; give it room and it poses very little risk. Every other snake in British Columbia is harmless, including garter snakes, which are the most cold-tolerant snakes in the Americas and the ones you are most likely to see. Do not handle any wild snake, harmless or not. If a bite from a venomous snake occurs, treat it as an emergency: in the United States call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, and in Canada call local emergency services or your regional poison centre right away.