Hunters, hikers, and anyone else enjoying the outdoors is cautioned to guard against tick bites, even during this cooler time of the year.

The Black-legged, or Deer Tick, that can carry Lyme Disease are most active in Saskatchewan in the cooler months of October, November and April.

The risk of being exposed to Lyme Disease from these ticks is low, but not zero. According to Doctor Denise Werker, Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer for the province of Saskatchewan, less than half a percent of ticks found here are the Black-legged Ticks that can be infected with Lyme Disease, and only a small percentage of those will be affected.

However, she is advising people to take precautions. "So, in addition to covering up and using insect repellent and doing your inspection, the other important thing is also to check your pets because dogs, in particular, may be picking up these ticks. And also to check your gear."

If you find a tick, it should be promptly and carefully removed with tweezers.