The garter snakes had to be rescued as construction crews were scheduled to begin work on a section of the Boundary Bay dike. The students - Ben, Maya, Nic, Jude, Noah, Myles, Jasmine, Kaelyn and Lauren, who are in kindergarten through Grade 5 - were shocked when they heard about the impending construction.

All frequently visit the area to search out the snakes.

"We've all been going to the snakes since we were babies," said Kaelyn.

During the spring and summer, the snakes are active in the area and the kids often visit the beach, for class and after school, to play with them.

"The snakes, to me, are sort of like family," said Maya.