Rattlesnake in the grass
Photo: Justin Sward
Justin Sward heard this rattlesnake before he saw it in a wooded area on Bartley Road on Saturday, July 30, 2022.
It was not something I expected to hear or see in a densely wooded area of Bartley Road, not far from the McDougall Rim Trail.
A West Kelowna man tells Castanet his dog narrowly escaped what could have been a slippery situation with a rattlesnake Saturday.
Justin Sward was enjoying the wilderness up Bartley Road with a friend and their dog Elliot when he heard the distinctive rattle of the snake’s tail.
He managed to get away safely and even took a picture of the reptile.
Justin says he’s seen venomous snakes before, but only on Rattlesnake Island, not that close to town.
“That’s the first time I’ve seen a rattler up there,” he commented.
“I see a lot of people hiking with dogs, so just to make people aware, you know, to be aware if you hear a rattle, just watch your dog.”