MINIATURE CACTI
POISON IVY
RATTLESNAKE
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.