BLACK BEAR
RATTLESNAKE
POISON IVY
MINIATURE CACTI
Wildlife: The Okanagan Valley is an
area surrounded by forests, lakes,
deserts and mountains. These sorts
of terrain provide habitats to many
wild animals. Please be aware of the
possibility of wildlife encounters.
Bears in the area have learned to live
in close proximity to humans but can
still be dangerous. To avoid a bear encounter
make lots of noise and keep food in sealed
containers. If you should come into contact
with a bear stay calm, raise your arms to make
yourself appear larger and back away slowly.
Please also be aware of coyotes, poisonous
rattlesnakes and the possibility of cougars. To
avoid issues with coyotes keep pets and
children close. Rattlesnakes are attracted to
hot surfaces such as large rocks in the sun and
pavement. Rattlesnakes make a noise
similar to a rattle or a sprinkler. This
noise is a warning. The likeliness of a
cougar encounter is lower however be
alert and avoid using trails at night or
alone. DO NOT FEED THE WILDLIFE!
Plantlife: Watch out for poison ivy and
miniature cacti if you are running or
biking on off-road terrain. Poison Ivy
can cause an itchy, recurring rash. Look
for green leaves that grow in groups of
three with pointed tips. Poison Ivy
grows as shrubs and vines.