The City of Lethbridge has reopened their seasonal rattlesnake mitigation program. The goal is to reduce the number of rattlesnake encounters with people and their pets.
Rattlesnakes in the area are most active between early-May and December, when they are out of hibernation. Each year, rattlesnake consultant Ryan HeavyHead relocates the rattlesnakes back to their natural habitats from public or private property where there is a concern for public safety.
The Province of Alberta Wildlife Act prohibits anyone from owning or harassing wildlife, including rattlesnakes and bull snakes. It’s illegal to injure or damage the habitats of wildlife as well. The city provides this program to encourage residents to phone for assistance, rather than taking matters into their own hands.
To have a rattlesnake relocated from an urban or recreational area, please call 403-332-6806.
To report a rattlesnake sighting, please contact the Helen Schuler Nature Centre at 403-320-3064.