Rattlesnake season in the areas isn’t cause for alarm: experts

By Lethbridge Herald on May 31, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Spring in Lethbridge sees many natural elements and animals returning, but one of them is feared and misunderstood above all the rest: the rattlesnake.

Despite the notorious stories of rattlesnake bites, the number of bites a year is actually very low, and the truth is, no one has ever died from a rattlesnake bite in Alberta. It’s easy to avoid a bite by leaving snakes alone. Bites occur only when a snake is surprised, cornered or picked up. 

“People need to be aware of snakes during the summer months, and watch where they’re stepping” says Lethbridge senior bylaw officer Dave Henley. “If you think you hear a rattlesnake, stop and listen until you see it.”

Residents and visitors may encounter rattlesnakes when exploring Lethbridge’s coulees or certain urban areas. Anyone encountering rattlesnakes while walking paths, golfing or even seeing them in their backyards need not panic.

“If you see one crossing a path, let it be,” says Henley, who is one of only two individuals authorized by the province to handle and move rattlesnakes. The other is contractor Ryan Heavy Head, who heads Lethbridge’s Rattlesnake Mitigation program. 

Should a homeowner discover a rattlesnake lingering around their property, they can call the rattlesnake hotline at (403)332-6806. 

The City of Lethbridge operates a rattlesnake mitigation program that aims to reduce the number of rattlesnake encounters with people and pets. Heavy Head is the first responder, with Henley acting as backup.

“We relocate rattlesnakes off of public property where there may be a concern for public safety,” says Henley. “We relocate snakes from homes where they may be a danger to people and pets, to their permanent natural habitat (their den site, wintering or birthing grounds). This process is strictly regulated by Alberta Fish and Wildlife and the City has a research permit to conduct its activities.”

Lethbridge provides the mitigation program to encourage residents to call for assistance, instead of trying to remove snakes themselves. It’s illegal to kill rattlesnakes or damage denning areas. There are significant charges and fines for killing a rattlesnake in Alberta.

In Lethbridge, individuals are most likely to encounter rattlesnakes in coulee areas, particularly in the southwestern part of the city. 

These include areas like Paradise Canyon, Popson Park, and Cottonwood Park Nature Reserve. While sightings are also possible on the east side of the Oldman River, they are more prevalent in the coulees of west Lethbridge.

Rattlesnakes are commonly found on dry coulee slopes, where they spend a significant amount of their time.They will also venture into these areas in search of food. Rattlesnakes may be seen sunning themselves on paved paths, especially in neighborhoods like RiverStone in West Lethbridge. 

While less common, they can sometimes be found in residential areas near coulees. While less common, rattlesnakes can sometimes be found in residential areas near coulees on both sides of the Oldman River, particularly near Six Mile Coulee, the Country Club, and Botterill Bottom Park.