A routine backyard check in West Kelowna, British Columbia, turned into a rare wildlife sighting when homeowner Frank Schopp found a snake stretched out on his pool patio.
Here's what to know
At about 8 a.m., while checking his irrigation system, West Kelowna resident Frank Schopp came across what Castanet reported was a snake about 18 inches long in a shaded area of his pool patio.
It turned out to be a rubber boa, one of only two boas native to Canada. Encounters with rubber boas are uncommon because they usually remain underground or hidden beneath cover, which made its appearance out in the open particularly notable. Additionally, British Columbia is currently tracking these snakes.
More background
Because rubber boas usually stay concealed, seeing one exposed beside a backyard pool was unusual.
BBC Future reported that human-wildlife interactions, expanding development, and changing landscapes can make animals more likely to show up where people do not expect them.
What can be done?
Schopp said, "I just scooped him up in the shovel, and he curled up a little bit."
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He then moved the snake to a rock pile at the edge of the property.
While rubber boas are harmless to humans, it's best to leave the snake alone if you aren't sure what it is. It's also good to keep children and pets away, and contact local wildlife or conservation officials if necessary to reduce the risk of a negative outcome.
As neighborhoods continue to expand into or near natural habitat, preserving habitat corridors and planning landscapes thoughtfully can help reduce surprise encounters in heavily used human spaces.
Checking shaded corners, equipment areas, and other tucked-away spots before stepping in can help people avoid startling an animal that may simply be passing through.
Where can I learn more?
A rubber boa on a West Kelowna pool patio is unusual, but it is hardly the only case of wildlife turning up in residential spaces. Similar encounters have played out in backyards and gardens where homeowners suddenly found animals in unexpected spots.
• In the UK, the RSPCA warned that a snake caught in netting can be injured.
• In Florida, residents watched a wild animal emerge from a backyard pool in broad daylight.
• In Scotland, a homeowner discovered a very rare predator moving through the garden near home.
These encounters remind us that wildlife can slip into everyday human spaces with little warning. Giving animals room and cutting down on hazards around the yard can help keep those moments from turning into something worse.
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