Skin crawling surprise: Alberta woman says camping trip was ruined by dozens of ticks

A Calgary woman recently had a harrowing experience at Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park in eastern Alberta, about 290 kilometers southeast of Edmonton. Gerri Kunneke, along with her husband Lloyd Rose and their two dogs, visited the campground in May for a camping trip in their trailer. Little did they know that their peaceful getaway would turn into a nightmare.

During a leisurely walk around the park with their dogs, Kunneke and her husband ventured off the path and into tall grass to get a closer look at the lake and its surroundings. Within minutes of being in the brush, they unknowingly picked up about 30 ticks. The couple only realized the extent of their predicament later that night when they found ticks crawling on their skin and embedded in their bodies.

The shocking incident surprised tick expert Janet Sperling, president of Lyme Disease Canada, as the area of Alberta where the campground is located is not typically known for large tick populations. Sperling explained that ticks thrive in wet climates and can survive cold winters, making them prevalent in the prairies. The ticks likely arrived at Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park by hitching a ride with migratory birds or deer.

In response to the incident, Kunneke is calling for warning signs to be installed at provincial campgrounds during peak tick season, which runs from April to June. She emphasized the importance of being aware of the risks associated with ticks, as even well-educated individuals like herself can fall victim to these parasites. Sperling advised campers to arm themselves with bug spray, tick removal kits, and protective clothing treated with bug spray to prevent tick bites.

If bitten by a tick, Sperling recommended removing it immediately and keeping the tick for testing to determine if any diseases were transmitted. While levels of Lyme disease in Alberta ticks are relatively low, other provinces like Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec have higher rates of Lyme disease transmission by ticks. Alberta Parks includes messaging in educational programming to remind campers to check for ticks and stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.

Overall, the incident at Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park serves as a cautionary tale for campers to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid tick bites and potential health risks associated with these parasites. It is essential to stay informed and prepared when venturing into nature to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.