Okanagan rattlesnake caught in deer netting prompts warning

A sharp-toothed predator isn't what most people imagine when they think of animal rescues, but it happens more often than many realize.

Wise Wildlife Control Services of Vernon said in a Facebook post today that the team was called to the scary situation of a rattlesnake caught in deer netting — a sadly common occurrence in the Okanagan.

"Today's adventure was met with some extreme challenges as not only the body of the rattlesnake was tangled but the deer netting was wrapped tightly around his bottom jaw," Wise Wildlife said in the post.

Releasing the jaw provided a couple of tense moments but in the end he was cut free and remarkably uninjured. 

"He is resting now from over handling and will be released this evening," Wise Wildlife said.

"Please let this be a valuable reminder to everyone – if you are going to use deer netting, please ensure the bottom edge is four inches minimum from the ground."

Remember to observe, record and report any wildlife infractions or poachers/polluters to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 from your cell phone.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.