It might surprise some people that rattlesnakes call parts of Alberta home, and they are so common in some areas that a city has its own relocation program.

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 relocation for the snakes 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 per cent 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.

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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

Rattlesnakes spend much of their time on dry coulee slopes but will wander into cottonwood forests and wetlands to find food. The benchland, or top of coulees where housing subdivisions now sit, was once a critical summer habitat for the snakes. Rattlesnakes also enjoy sunning themselves on paved paths, so you may see them on pathways on RiverStone and other West Lethbridge neighbourhoods.