It’s not every day that the Kelowna SPCA gets called about snakes.
But earlier this week, that was the case when the Interior shelter was asked to help a threatened species of snake on a private property.
The Gopher snake, approximately four feet in length, was tangled in some netting.
Kelowna shelter animal care attendant Pat Lamontagne was available to attend the call. At the home he found and contained the slithery specimen, removed the netting and provided an immediate health check.
“We are so fortunate to have Pat on our team, as he is experienced in handling reptiles,” says Suzanne Pugh, Kelowna Branch manager. “After removing the mesh that was tangled around the head and body of the snake, and being satisfied the snake was healthy, Pat was able to release it back to its original habitat on the property.”
In 2013, Kelowna SPCA staff were able to assist in the rescue of 107 wild, exotic and farm animals, Pugh says.
Because the closest wildlife rehabilitation centres in the Interior are located in Kamloops and Oliver, and given that both have limited capacity and species they can take, the Kelowna BC SPCA Branch is often asked to help with wild animals in the area, as growing human development increasingly affects local wildlife species.
“There is a tremendous need for a professional wildlife rehabilitation centre in the Kelowna area to provide wildlife services across the region,” says Dr. Sara Dubois, BC SPCA chief scientific officer.
A non-profit organization, the BC SPCA relies mainly on public donations to help the province’s most vulnerable animals, including wildlife. Find out more at spca.bc.ca.