Lyme disease so far has not been occurred in Alberta, but adjacent British Columbia is high-risk. The Lyme spirochaete has been found in a rabbit in central west Alberta, so the possibility of getting the disease is there.

The best way to remove a tick according to the Alberta Health website is to grasp it gently with tweezers as close to the mouth as possible. Slowly pull the tick straight out- do not jerk or twist it. Check the bite area for at least two weeks. If a red rash appears, take the tick (if possible) and go to a doctor.

Squeezing the tick may force bacteria out of the mouthparts and into- YOU.