Alison33

Apparently, Brown Recluse/Hobo Spiders live in some parts of Canada.

http://www.brownreclusespider.com/faq.htm

I've been here a year and haven't seen as many spiders here as in the uk. Although I would certainly go careful when having a rummage in my garage. Spiders freak me out as do wasps!

Manson

The kids have seen garter snakes in the garden and also found the poison ivy.

We have spiders in the house but very rarely see them, just know they are there from the occasional bites we wake up with in the morning. Strange though we never see them in the bath like we did in the UK.

There has also been warnings from the police about bears been sited down the road from us but we have never actually seen one.

JonboyE

They are two different species. We get hobo spiders in southern BC (though I've never knowingly seen one) but it is far too cool for brown recluses. Brown recluses live in the southern half of the US.

fledermaus

Poison Ivy. isnt the saying "Leaves of three, let it be?"
Where are you Brian?

I lived in the city and so didnt see any, now we are rural and just up the river from Iaink so I am worried! I have been trying to train myself so that I can look at a picture of a snake at least. Lord knows what will happen when I see a real one in the yard, or the cat brings one home.

More bleeding challenges.........

Caitilin

I can think of several plants that come up three leaved or three lobed...;-)

fledermaus

That's what makes it tricky, especially as poison ivy has a few varieties

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohor...9/426-109.html
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/475190_6

Greenhill

I saw a couple of snakes here last summer, not really sure what type they were but I have a picture of one somewhere (I'll have a look for it later on). Both were pretty small, possibly a foot in length.

I actually drove over one of them, after getting out of the car and checking it, it seemed fine and went about it's business of crossing my driveway.

Locals say they're harmless but might reward you with a bite on the hand, so kids should know that they're around, especially in the longer grass.

As for spiders, I'm always hearing of people getting bitten, getting an infection and needing antibiotics. I'm always outside doing something in summer, yard work etc, and have had no such problems yet myself..not sure if we're all as susceptible to the bites and infections as each other but my kid did get a nasty bite from something last year that made her hand swell up for a bit (which she needed antibiotics for).

Perhaps the worst bug experience I've had was nasally ingesting blackflies. I was out digging in the yard in late May one year and the little buggers were dive bombing from all sides. That was probably the worst they've been in my time here. These "Canadian experiences" help us grow strong, so I'm told.

Greenhill

Hide the butter Marmaduke, there's a Scouser in a Civic!

Greenhill

This is the snake (sorry about the quality of the photo), probably a garter snake but if anyone knows better, please tell.

Caitilin

From what i can see yeah, he looks like a little garter snake. Cute! thanks for posting, I'd love to have them in my garden!