Venomous Snake Bites in Canada: What You Need to Know & Do - First Aid Edition

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/

Canada isn’t typically known for dangerous reptiles, but if you hike in BC, camp in Ontario, or explore the Prairies, you might just encounter one of our country’s three venomous snakes. While bites are rare, understanding how to identify venomous snakes, how to respond safely, and what first aid steps to take is essential.

At Delta Emergency Support Training, we prepare Canadians for real-life emergencies—including those that happen far from a hospital. Here’s your complete guide to snake bite prevention, identification, and treatment.

🇨🇦 Venomous Snakes in Canada

Canada is home to three native venomous snake species, all of which are rattlesnakes:

1. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

  • Location: Ontario (Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay, Muskoka)

  • Canada’s only venomous snake in the East

  • Generally shy and avoids humans

2. Prairie Rattlesnake

  • Location: Southern Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan

  • Found in dry grasslands and badlands

  • More active in warmer months

3. Western Rattlesnake

  • Location: Southern British Columbia, especially the Okanagan Valley

  • Prefers rocky terrain and dry slopes

🐾 How to Tell if a Snake is Venomous

While identifying a snake in the wild can be difficult, here are common traits of venomous rattlesnakes in Canada:

  • Triangular-shaped head

  • Vertical (slit-like) pupils

  • Thick body with blotchy patterns

  • A rattle on the tail (but sometimes broken or not used)

  • Shaking or buzzing sound when threatened

Be cautious—some non-venomous snakes mimic rattlers by vibrating their tails in leaves.

🩹 First Aid for Snake Bites

All suspected snake bites should be treated as medical emergencies, even if the snake isn’t identified.

✅ What to Do Immediately

  1. Move the person to safety (away from the snake).

  2. Keep them calm—movement and panic can increase venom circulation.

  3. Call 911 immediately.

  4. Remove tight items like rings, bracelets, or watches from the affected limb.

  5. Have them lie down with the bitten limb at or slightly below heart level.

  6. Apply a clean, dry dressing to the bite.

  7. Mark the edge of swelling with a pen and track it over time.

❌ What NOT to Do

  • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.

  • Do not apply a tourniquet.

  • Do not apply ice or immerse the bite in water.

  • Do not give the person alcohol or caffeine.

  • Do not attempt to capture or kill the snake.

🧬 What Does Snake Venom Do?

Rattlesnake venom is a hemotoxin, which means it can damage tissue, affect blood clotting, and cause intense swelling.

Symptoms may include:

  • Severe pain at the bite site

  • Rapid swelling or bruising

  • Dizziness or nausea

  • Weakness or fainting

  • Difficulty breathing (rare, but serious)

In rare cases, snake bites can lead to shock or even death if untreated.

🗺️ Prevention Tips by Region

Ontario (Massasauga)

  • Stay on designated trails

  • Avoid tall grass and rocky ledges

  • Wear boots and long pants

  • Listen for rattling sounds

Alberta & Saskatchewan (Prairie Rattlesnake)

  • Step carefully in dry, grassy areas

  • Keep pets on a leash

  • Watch where you sit or place your hands

British Columbia (Western Rattlesnake)

  • Avoid rocky hillsides and dry scrub

  • Don’t walk barefoot in wild areas

  • Use a flashlight when hiking at night

General Prevention:

  • Do not approach or handle any snake

  • Keep food sealed and your campsite clean

  • Hike with a buddy

  • Stay alert and educate children on snake safety

🧠 Final Takeaway

Although snake bites in Canada are rare, they do happen—and when they do, quick, calm, and correct first aid can make all the difference. Our native venomous snakes are not aggressive, and most bites occur when they are accidentally stepped on or provoked.

Knowing the signs of a venomous snake, understanding how to avoid dangerous situations, and being ready to act can help keep you—and others—safe.

At Delta Emergency Support Training, we teach first aid skills that prepare you for real emergencies, whether in your home, workplace, or the backcountry. Our courses include Standard First Aid, Advanced First Aid/EMR, and Basic Life Support.

🩺 Ready to be prepared for anything? Train with us and gain the confidence to respond.