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Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

Lethbridge is home to a small population of Prairie Rattlesnakes. They are generally active in Lethbridge from April through September, depending on weather conditions. People may encounter rattlesnakes when exploring the coulees or occasionally in urban areas.

Rattlesnakes play an important part of the mixed-grass prairie ecosystem, as they play a critical role in the local food web. Rattlesnake's diet consists of mice, voles, and shrews. Snakes help control pest species and reduce the risk of transmittable disease to humans, like Hantavirus. They also eat ground squirrels, insects, and occasionally frogs, rabbits, and birds.

Rattlesnakes spend much of their time on dry coulee slopes, in cottonwood forests, and on the river floodplain. But on occasion they may also be found in residential areas near the coulees.

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How to avoid rattlesnake encounters
  • Stay on established trails.

  • Do not step or jump over large rocks and logs without checking to see what is on the other side.

  • Listen for the raspy sound of the snake’s rattle - this is the snake's way of getting your attention to warn you of its presence. On windy days a 'rattle' may not always be heard.

  • Keep your dog on a leash.

If you encounter a rattlesnake
  1. Stop.

  2. Remain calm.

  3. Look around to identify where the snake(s) are.

  4. Back away slowly.

  5. Give the snake space.

Remember - rattlesnakes are not aggressive and given a choice will retreat rather than strike.

What to do if you are bitten by a rattlesnake
  1. Stay calm.

  2. Get to the hospital as soon as possible.

  3. Do not try to suck or cut the venom out.

  4. Do not apply a tourniquet.

  5. Early treatment of rattlesnake bites will normally result in a complete recovery.

  6. Contact a veterinarian if your pet has been bitten.

Living with Wildlife Tip Sheets

Oki
The City of Lethbridge acknowledges that we are gathered on the lands of the Blackfoot people of the Canadian Plains and pays respect to the Blackfoot people past, present and future while recognizing and respecting their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship to the land. The City of Lethbridge is also home to the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region III.