While provincial and national parks have been closed due to the coronavirus, regional parks and other local hiking trails remain open for exploring. 

However, if you’re out enjoying the trails be mindful of tick season. 

On Saturday, Peachland resident Yvette Tromblay posted a startling photo to the Peachland Neighbours page of the 14 ticks she picked off her dog following a hike in the area. 

Photo Credit: Yvette Trombley – Facebook

According to comments on the post, Tromblay was hiking in the bush towards the Trepanier lookout trail near the Okanagan Connector. 

Thankfully, her dog is medicated against ticks, but it’s a stark reminder to check both yourself and your pets for the little bugs after hiking. 

Interior Health also recently issued a warning that features several helpful tips reminding people of tick season.

General symptoms of tick bites include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash, but certain ticks release toxins that could cause temporary muscle weakness or paralysis.

If you get bitten by a tick, wear gloves and use needle nose tweezers to gently pull it away from the skin.

For more information on ticks and what to do if bitten, click here.