You decide to go out for a hike. You're in the forest and are halfway through a quiet trail when suddenly, you feel it. It’s a sharp strike to your ankle.
Was that a snake? Yes, it was.
Panic sets in, and you start wondering what your chances are. Was it venomous? Should I call 911? What should I do next?
Taking the right next steps - and staying calm - is essential, and that's not likely to happen if you aren't prepared for this situation.
Fortunately, that's what we're here for!
Snakes in Canada: are they venomous?
If you look at a list of snakes that make Canada their home, you’ll see that only three out of twenty-six species can be lethal. That’s somewhat reassuring, but when your life's on the line - a little more certainty would be nice!
The most common snake across the country is the common gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis). It can be black, brown, or green, with yellow stripes, up to 50 centimeters long and is not venomous.
In fact, the only venomous species found in Canada are all rattlesnakes.
Massasauga rattlesnake
These snakes are commonly found in Ontario’s Georgian Bay and measure 50 to 70 cm long. They can be distinguished by their triangular-shaped head, vertical pupils, and a segmented rattle at the end of their tail. Only two deaths have been reported in Ontario as a result of this snake - but it’s still worth keeping on your radar.
Northern Pacific (western) rattlesnake
This species is commonly found in British Columbia grasslands. It has a dark brown body with irregular markings, making it easy to blend with dirt and grass. It also has a triangular head with a rattle at the end of its tail. You can identify this species by the pattern of dark blotches with lighter borders along its back and tail.
Prairie rattlesnake
These snakes can be found in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. They are usually tan, green, or brown with distinctive dark blotches that transition into rings on the tail, along with the characteristic rattle at the tail's end.
Venomous Snake Distribution Across Canada
Rattlesnake species locations by province/territory
Click on any province or territory for details. Zoom in to see boundaries more clearly.
Distribution Source: Nature Conservancy Canada
A special mention
The desert night snake is one of Canada's rarest snakes, found only in British Columbia, and is only mildly venomous. It’s a small species, about 40 cm long, that's often mistaken for a young rattlesnake, though it has no rattle on its tail. Its venom is usually not enough to affect humans.
What to do in case of a snake bite?
Identify whether it’s venomous or not
Venemous snakes in Canada are all rattlesnakes. As you might expect, the most distinguishing feature is the rattle at the end of the tail. A triangular or broad head can also hint that it's a rattlesnake. It's also helpful to keep in mind that venomous snakes are usually stockier and have dark blotches, often with lighter borders. If you see uniform stripes, it’s probably a gartersnake, which is not venomous.
Take a picture
If you can still see the snake, safely take a picture. However, don’t chase it or try to trap or kill the snake in order to do so.
Call emergency services right away
It doesn’t matter if you’re not completely sure whether it’s venomous or not. If you have any suspicion - do not wait for symptoms to appear. Antivenom is the only way to stop the poison’s effects.
Remove jewelry and accessories
Anything wrapped around or near the bite should be removed. Take off anything you’re wearing that might restrict blood flow, and do not apply a tourniquet.
Wash the bite
Use plenty of water and soap to clean the bite area. Afterward, mark the edge of the bite. This will help doctors monitor how quickly the swelling is spreading.
Cover the bite and limit movement
Use a dry, clean dressing, but do not apply pressure or use pressure bandages. After covering the bite, keep the affected limb as still as possible and avoid movement.
What NOT to do in case of a snake bite?
- Do NOT apply a tourniquet.
- Do NOT try to suck out the venom with your mouth.
- Do NOT apply ice or put the affected limb in water.
- Do NOT use ointments or alcohol on the bite.
- Do NOT take pain medicines.
If you’re unsure whether the snake is venomous, do NOT wait for symptoms to appear. Venomous snake bites can be deadly without prompt medical care - and some don’t cause immediate signs. You may feel fine for the first 30 minutes, then suddenly experience swelling, trouble breathing, or fainting. Without antivenom, the effects can worsen quickly and become life-threatening.
The risks
- Permanent tissue damage, such as necrosis, which could lead to amputation of a limb.
- Infections that spread from the bite area to surrounding tissues.
- An allergy to the venom that may cause anaphylaxis — a rapid and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Venomous snakes in Canada
Fortunately, snake bites in Canada are rare, and only a few species of snake in the country are deadly. Of the more than 20 species of snake in Canada, only three are dangerous to humans. However, snake bites are not unheard of if you spend any time camping or exploring remote areas. It helps to know what to do and what to avoid in case of a snake bite - before it happens.
So, take precautions.
If you're bitten, stay calm, limit movement, seek immediate medical help.
Avoid any “home remedies”, which can be dangerous. The only way to safely manage a rattlesnake bite is to receive antivenom at a hospital; any folk remedies are more likely to cause harm than help.
Preparation is the best protection.
So, before heading into the wild, spend some time learning about local wildlife, review basic first aid steps, and and have a plan in case anything goes wrong, so you can have an amazing - and safe - experience while exploring the wonders that Canada's outdoors has to offer.
Join the Conversation