Snakes

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Snakes are not a pest but are sometimes perceived as a threat to vineyard worker safety. Snakes are actually beneficial to grape growers because they prey on mice and pocket gophers.

They are also protected by law — provincial and federal laws make it an offence to harass or kill a snake.

Management

Snakes often forage at night and hide during the day.

• Provide cover areas (rock piles, shrubs or plywood) well away from work areas and be aware of potential snake hiding spots to reduce encounters.
• Use a stick to probe irrigation valve boxes and lumber piles before reaching into a hidden spot.
• Educate vineyard workers on how to identify rattlesnakes and non-poisonous snakes.

Other Resources

Download Living with Wildlife in BC: Snakes (PDF), developed by the Oakanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance, to learn more about identifying and managing for snakes.