By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: September 15, 2018
Every year the animal control office of District of Squamish takes in dogs that are looking for a new home for various reasons, strays or dogs that have been abandoned.

Last year, however, it also adopted a snake, an adult Albino Corn Snake.
The snake was found by a resident walking in the area of the Cattermole Slough in October 2017. The reptile was held for three days by the Animal Control Office and then transferred to “Reptile Rescue” in Richmond, B.C.
Because of their docile nature, attractive appearance and moderate size, the Albino Corn snakes is a popular pet snake, according to pestwiki.
This was an unusual adoption for district.
“If a member of the public finds a snake or other reptile they should contact Animal Control who will attempt to assist on a case-by-case basis,” Moore
Animal Control does not typically handle snakes, said DOS communications manager, Christina Moore.
In this particular case the snake, a house pet, was found by a resident in the estuary, Moore said, adding that the domesticated snake would have been unable to survive in the elements.
“As Animal Control staff were unable to locate an owner, Animal Control held the snake for 72 hours and transferred it to Reptile Rescue. If a member of the public finds a snake or other reptile they should contact Animal Control who will attempt to assist on a case-by-case basis,” Moore said.
Tyler Kelly from the Department of Biological Sciences at SFU says snakes are common and active through the warmer months in many places in North America, including Squamish.
“They are completely harmless other than if you grab them will secret a nasty smelling musk to get you to put them down. So it’s best not to touch them,” he said.
Meanwhile, the dog licensing remains a priority for the district and it plans to licence all dogs in town in the next two years. Last year, the district sold 2,396 dog licences.
The district impounded 111 dogs, and 104 dogs were claimed.