Lethbridge’s snake expert, Ryan First Diver, has had a bustling year attending to snake-related calls through the City of Lethbridge-run hotline. Responding to 70% of these calls, First Diver relocates snakes from public areas to their natural habitats like den sites or birthing grounds as part of the city’s ongoing snake mitigation program. This year alone, 211 snakes, including rattlesnakes and bullsnakes often mistaken for rattlers, have been relocated, marking a record high.
City senior bylaw officer Dave Henley mentioned that Lethbridge typically receives 150 to 160 snake-related calls annually. First Diver credits the increase in public awareness about snakes to his social media posts, which initially spiked call volumes but have now stabilized to a more manageable level.
Residents are now actively sharing snake-related information online, further spreading awareness in the community. If residents encounter a snake concern, they can contact the city’s hotline at 403-332-6806.
Dispelling common misconceptions, First Diver emphasized that rattlesnakes are not inherently aggressive and usually resort to camouflage rather than confrontation. Stefano Liccioli, a species-at-risk biologist with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, reiterated that although rattlesnakes are venomous, no deaths from rattlesnake bites have been recorded in Alberta. Liccioli advised staying calm and avoiding sudden movements if encountering a rattlesnake.
The rise in snake-related calls in Lethbridge may indicate an increase in the local snake population, prompting further studies and monitoring efforts. Liccioli highlighted ongoing initiatives, including tagging snakes with transmitters to track their movements and locate dens, aiming to gather comprehensive data on snake populations in Alberta over the next decade.
Overall, the collaborative efforts between experts like First Diver and Liccioli, alongside the City of Lethbridge’s mitigation program, are crucial in understanding and conserving snake populations in the region for future protection measures.
