Hot weather is waking B.C. snakes from their slumber. Here's how to identify them

As the summer sun beats down on southern B.C., snakes stir from their winter slumberand navigate through the tall grass, signalling summer's arrival.

However, for many Okanagan residents, stumbling upon oneslithering through theirbackyard or neighbourhood can be a bit of a hair-raising experience.

Similar to previous years, residents living around Okanagan Lake at this time of year have been taking to social media to share their snake-related experiences.

Pete Wise, an urban wildlife specialist based in Vernon, says since the end of hibernation season, he's been inundated with up to six calls a day from people in the region, seeking assistance after spotting an unwelcome serpentine guestnear their home.

"There is this phobia about snakes," Wise said. "The gopher snake is out there, and they can get 5 feet(1 metres) in length. It's quite a large snake, and, of course, people freak right out."

Snakes hibernate when the temperature drops below 10C, and there is not enough food available. InB.C., most hibernate from September to April,but some may emerge earlier or later depending on weather.

Canada is home to 25 species of snakes, according to the Ottawa-based Canadian Wildlife Federation,which saysCanadiansnakes, contrary to popular belief, are typically shy and non-aggressive.

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) says half of Canada's snake species are at risk of extinction.

7 common snake species in B.C.'s southern Interior

The South Okanagan-Similkameen Stewardship Programlists seven common snake species found inB.C.

Great Basin gopher snake: Classified as a threatened species by COSEWIC, it isthe largest snake in B.C., reaching lengths ofup to two metres. It's not venomous but canhiss, coil, and shake its tail when feeling threatened.

Northern Pacific rattlesnake: A threatened species, this venomous snake is potentially hazardous, but because it is timid and confrontation-averse, it rarely poses a danger.

Desert night snake: Thisendangered species emerges mostly after the sun sets as it hunts for lizards. It is mildly venomousbutrarely bites.

Yellow-bellied racer: Considered a species of special concern, the raceremerges during the hottest parts of the day to seek its prey. Although lacking venom, it has been known to nip if mishandled.

Rubber boa: Another species of special concern, known for being one of the shyer snakes in B.C.

Western terrestrial garter snake: It's not venomous butmay bite if handled roughly.

Common garter snake: Thisnon-venomous species is often found near bodies of water where it is known to preyon frogs and small fish.

Rattlesnakes don't always rattle

Chloe Howarth, a rattlesnake expert at the Wildlife Restoration Ecology Lab at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus in Kelowna, says the most common snakes in B.C. are the spotted gopher and the rattlesnake.

She says rattlesnakes, despite their name, don't alwaysrattle to warn you of their presence.

"Don't expect that you're always going to get warned," she told host Chris Walker, the host ofCBC's Daybreak South. "But if you hear a rattle, try to figure out where it's coming from and just be really careful where you're stepping, and try not to get too close to wherever the rattlesnakes are."

Howarth advises people to steer clear ofsnakes and keep their pets away from them. He says if you stumble upon one, calla conservation service officer for helpsafely relocatingit.

When it becomes necessary to relocate a snake,the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance recommends putting on boots to avoid being bitten and using a tall garbage can and broom to gently guidethe snake into the can tomoveit somewhere else.