13 things that can kill or seriously harm you in B.C.

B.C. is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but like many destinations, it has its share of things that could kill or hurt you.

As we shift into summer, many residents and tourists will be hitting trails, lakes, and other green spaces filled with natural beauty.

These beautiful spaces in B.C. are also filled with things that could kill you. Thankfully, the probability is low, but it’s still good to be aware of your surroundings, just in case.

While we’d love to put down existential dread stemming from the housing crisis on this list, we’re thinking more about deadly plants, animals, and urban threats.

Toxic plants

Some potential B.C. killers that may not look deadly come in the form of toxic plants. We’ve heard many stories of people being separated from their hiking parties, stranded alone in the mountains or on B.C. trails. If starvation becomes a factor, you don’t want to eat just anything that looks edible.

Spurge Laurel

While it may look unassuming, Spurge Laurel has been linked to death and coma in some cases.

The Metro Vancouver Regional District says it’s highly toxic. The toxins found in the bark and sap can cause rashes, nausea, and tongue swelling.

“As few as two to three berries can fatally poison a child.”

Conium Maculatum (Poison Hemlock)

Another plant that is easy on the eyes isn’t so easy on you if you come in contact with it. The provincial government says that all parts of the plant, including seeds, flowers, leaves, and fruits, are poisonous.

“All plant parts are highly toxic if consumed and can cause swelling and rashes upon contact,” reads a notice from the province.

“It can be easy to confuse this plant with edible species from the carrot family.”

The Devil’s Club

You’ve likely seen some form of this plant in B.C. The stems and leaves have sharp prickles up to two centimetres long. WorkSafeBC says that being pricked can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. The fruits are poisonous to humans, but bears love them.

Also, check out our guide on edible mushrooms.

Animals of all shapes and sizes

Bears

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Bears can kill you. Do not approach bears. Ever. Period.

B.C. offers some guidance on how to act if you ever do find yourself squaring off with a bear.

“Never run away,” says BC Parks.

Instead, observe the bear’s behaviour before deciding on your next move. If a bear becomes agitated, the Province of B.C. recommends making noises or seeming aggressive, continuing to back away slowly and talking softly. “Do not run away.”

It’s not common for a human to be killed by a bear, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s possible.

Wolves

Like much wildlife in B.C., wolves tend to avoid people. However, they can become habituated or conditioned to human food, which can lead to encounters.

The province suggests “discouraging the wolf from coming any closer than 100m.”

Wave your arms in the air, make noise, and throw sticks and rocks at them if they get any closer. The Province of B.C. cautions against turning your back or running.

Wolf encounters or attacks are very, very rare, and a member of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service told Daily Hive they couldn’t recall any wolf-related fatalities.

Cougars

Cougars are often spotted in B.C., and you should proceed with caution if you ever find yourself in an encounter with one.

Defensive tactics are much the same as those used by wolves. The provincial government says if a cougar attacks, fight back. Use rocks, sticks or bare fists if you have to.

The key to most of these encounters is to avoid approaching one of these wild animals if possible.

While cougar attacks and encounters are extremely rare, a mountain biker was attacked by one in 2023.

Read more on wildlife attacks here.

Natural threats

Water

While it may seem obvious based on the number of drowning deaths per year in B.C., many still underestimate the dangers posed by water. In 2023, there were 101 accidental drowning deaths in the province.

If you plan on going on a summer adventure involving the water, ensure you’re adequately prepared. If you can’t swim, always wear a life jacket.

It’s not just drowning, though. Water can also pose a threat if you drink it and it happens to be contaminated. Learn more about waterborne illnesses here.

Hikes

Hikes in B.C. are among the most popular attractions that residents and tourists enjoy.

However, many of these hikes have varying difficulty ratings and levels. Weather can also impact the difficulty of some of these hikes. Sadly, over the years, people have lost their lives to hiking-related accidents.

The Weather

Back in 2021, when the heat dome brought record-breaking temperatures to the province, many people lost their lives.

Whether you’re out in nature or not, as temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, you should be extra prepared for the heat.

Cold weather can also kill you, especially if you’re out adventuring in parts of B.C. during winter.

Urban threats

Toxic drugs

The toxic drug crisis is a sad reality that takes the lives of thousands of people every year, with no end in sight.

If you are a drug user, even if you don’t use substances that might be more closely associated with drug deaths in B.C., substances like fentanyl or heroin, you should always get your drugs tested.

Cars

According to ICBC, the number of crashes across the province has steadily increased over the last five years to 303,593 in 2024, though there was a significant drop in accidents that occurred during the pandemic.

Drinking and driving

While pedestrians might be at risk, so are you as a driver.

It might seem obvious, but you should never drink and drive. According to stats from ICBC, it isn’t obvious for a lot of people.

Every year, 63 people die in impaired driving-related deaths.

Humans

It’s a sad reality, but one that is worth noting for personal safety. Stranger attacks have either taken the lives of or seriously injured many residents and tourists over the last several years.

It’s always essential to be vigilant, especially if you’re walking in any part of the Lower Mainland at night.

Let us know in the comments if you have any suggestions that might be useful for this list of things that can kill you in B.C.

This article was first published on May 28, 2024 and has since been updated. 

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