Lethbridge’s resident rattlesnake handler has had a bustling year. Ryan First Diver is quick to respond to 70% of the calls received via the City of Lethbridge’s hotline for snake concerns on public grounds. The city’s ongoing rattlesnake mitigation initiative involves relocating snakes from public areas to their natural habitats, like den sites, wintering spots, or birthing grounds.
This year, a total of 211 snakes, including rattlesnakes and bullsnakes often mistaken for rattlers, have been relocated, marking a record high, as per First Diver. City officials, like senior bylaw officer Dave Henley, who also attends these calls, note an average of 150 to 160 calls annually.
First Diver attributes the increased awareness and calls to social media postings educating residents about snakes. He emphasizes that rattlesnakes are not typically aggressive and usually rely on camouflage rather than rattling when approached. Stefano Liccioli, a senior biologist, confirms that rattlesnakes seldom strike aggressively, typically doing so when cornered or stepped on.
The surge in calls in Lethbridge indicates a potential rise in the rattlesnake population, prompting further studies by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. They are tagging snakes with transmitters to monitor their movements and locate dens, aiming to gather essential data on population trends in the next five to ten years. This information will guide conservation efforts and potentially necessitate adjustments to existing programs for enhanced protection.