It might surprise some people that rattlesnakes call parts of Alberta home. So much so that in the City of Lethbridge, there are dedicated staff who residents can report sightings or have rattlesnakes relocated from urban or recreational areas.
It sure is the wild, wild west in southern Alberta, huh?
“Each year between April and December, we work with our partners to relocate rattlesnakes off of public property where there may be a concern for public safety,” the City’s website states.
“The snakes are relocated from areas of conflict, back to their permanent natural habitat and away from people/pet conflict.” Yeah, we’ve got to protect our slithery friends!
Lethbridge provides the relocations due to the Province of Alberta Wildlife Act, which prohibits anyone from owning/harassing wildlife, including rattlesnakes and bullsnakes.
It is estimated that up to 20% of their bites are dry, with no venom injected.
Fortunately, prairie rattlesnake venom is not particularly lethal, and no one has died from a prairie rattlesnake bite in Alberta; however, dogs do get bitten by rattlesnakes in Lethbridge but usually recover after several days of treatment with steroids and antibiotics.
The City also suggests residents snake-proof their entire yard with snake barrier fencing.
What to do if you encounter a rattlesnake
If you encounter a rattlesnake while exploring the city in southern Alberta, it’s advised that you back away slowly, remain calm, and give the snake space.
Never run, as there may be more than one in your immediate area.
“Rattlesnakes are not aggressive and, given a choice, will retreat rather than strike. However, if surprised, stepped on or cornered, they can strike up to a distance about half of their length,” the City’s website states.
The most common areas for sightings in the city are:
- Bridge Drive
- Paradise Canyon community and the surrounding area
- Popson Park and Cottonwood Park nature reserve
- RiverStone community
- SunRidge community