Rattlesnake Mitigation Program

Prairie rattlesnakes are more common in southeastern Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan. Here in Lethbridge, they reach the northwestern limit of their range. The majority of rattlesnake sightings are in ​​​West Lethbridge although snakes have been observed in the coulee areas on the east side of the Oldman River. The most common areas for sightings are:

• Paradise Canyon and surrounding area

• Popson Park and Cottonwood Park Nature Reserve

• RiverStone

• SunRidge
  

• University of Lethbridge

• Bridge Drive

Rattlesnakes spend much of their time on dry coulee slopes but will wander into cottonwood forests and wetlands in search of food. The benchland, or top of coulees where housing subdivisions now sit, were once critical summer habitat for these snakes.  Rattlesnakes  also enjoy sunning themselves on paved paths, so it is not uncommon to see them on pathways in RiverStone and other west Lethbridge neighbourhoods.

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. People should never run when encountering a snake as there may be more than one in the immediate area.

It is estimated that up to 20% of their bites are dry (no venom is injected). Prairie rattlesnake venom is not particularly lethal and no one has died from a prairie rattlesnake bite in Alberta. Almost every year dogs are bitten by rattlesnakes in Lethbridge. They usually recover after several days of treatment with steroids and antibiotics.

Residents may encounter snakes in their yards. For some this may be a great learning experience, and for others it may be a most unpleasant and dreaded encounter. Some residents may want to snake-proof their entire yard, or perhaps only a vegetable garden or an area where children play. Any of these options can be accomplished with snake barrier fencing. ​

• Learn about snake barrier fencing from the South Okanagan-Similkameen Stewardship Program.

• Watch a video from Ryan Heavyhead about setting up a snake fence