Endangered snakes

Before you remove a snake, you must check if it’s protected by the Endangered Species Act.

To find out, contact your local ministry work centre.

How to remove snakes from your property

  • you can humanely kill or trap snakes that are damaging or about to damage your property
  • if you are using a firearm, you must follow certain regulations and local bylaws
  • pest control specialists can help in safely capturing and releasing the snake
  • you can install a one-way door in the area where the snake is present
  • you can use live traps

How to avoid conflict

Keep animals out

  • seal ground-level holes or cracks and watch for warped siding
  • don’t leave the garage door open and fix poorly fitting doors
  • reduce shelter (e.g., tall grass, wood piles) on your property to reduce habitat for snakes and their prey (e.g., rodents)
  • rodents may be further reduced by removing ripened fruit from trees, picking up vegetables and fallen fruit, and by cleaning up spilled food around bird feeders

Limit places animals live

  • place smooth steel wraps around tree trunks to prevent animals from climbing
  • reduce shelter such as tall grass, brush, wood piles or rock piles
  • block potential den areas such as under decks or inside sheds

Rattlesnake bites

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, get medical help immediately and call:

Poison Control Centre
1-800-268-9017

You should also:

  • keep the victim calm and restrict movement
  • keep the affected area below heart level to reduce flow of venom to the heart
  • wash the bite area with soap and water
  • remove any rings or constricting items; the affected area will swell
  • cover the bite with a clean, moist dressing to reduce swelling and discomfort
  • to treat for shock, keep the victim quiet and maintain body temperature — a blanket if they’re cold, fanning if they’re hot