By Lethbridge Herald on May 2, 2024.
A rattlesnake hides within the grass in a coulee alongside the town’s river valley. Residents are reminded to concentrate on their environment as snakes will transferring away from their dens as temperatures begin to heat up.THE CANADIAN PRESS FILE PHOTO/Jeff McIntoshDelon Shurtz – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – [email protected]
With hotter climate approaching and rising numbers of individuals heading to parks within the river valley, the town’s senior bylaw officer gives a little bit recommendation: keep in mind that is snake nation.
Rattlesnakes have gotten energetic within the coulees and river backside, and although it’s nonetheless a little bit too chilly for them to be out in any important numbers, or for very lengthy at one time, sightings will enhance because the temperature turns into constantly hotter.
Dave Henley says rattlesnakes are slowly making their manner out of their dens, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a little bit early within the yr for them to be transferring round an excessive amount of.
“They’ll be moving away from the den sites as soon as the weather warms up to a consistent above-zero range, like five and 10 degrees overnight,” Henley says.
He says snakes nonetheless must be close to their dens for cover from the chilly nights, however residents can count on them to be out and about quickly.
“It’s really dependent upon the type of spring we have, how fast and how far they start moving.”
When the temperature turns into actually sizzling, residents can count on to see snakes within the morning and night. During the most popular occasions of the day snakes have a tendency to hunt shade and received’t be as seen. That’s additionally when residents must be cautious and keep away from areas the place snakes could also be hidden.
Henley advises residents residing close to the coulees and other people mountain climbing amongst them or visiting parks within the river valley to easily concentrate on their environment. The snakes, he factors out, usually are not aggressive and like avoiding people, nevertheless it’s straightforward to return upon one accidentally, particularly since they’re camouflaged to their environment and are laborious to see.
That’s why Henley advises individuals to hear in addition to look.
“Whether you’re on a paved path or a natural pathway, you need to kind of pay attention, and not just look, but listen. The rattlesnake’s warning is very distinct. Their natural defence mechanism is to shake that tail. If you do hear that, just take a second and stop and look around you, and see if you can locate the snake.”
Henley suggests taking a wider go searching, as effectively, to keep away from every other snakes which may be close by.
“They’re not aggressive. The snakes do not see humans as any sort of prey. The only time they’ll react is in self defence. You’ve got to be real careful because you don’t want to step on them. Where you’ll get a reaction is if you step directly on the snake.”
For residents who reside close to the coulees, it’s additionally necessary to watch out when gardening or gathering wooden from the woodpile.
“It’s really important to be aware and don’t just stick your hand in somewhere to get something. You don’t want to reach your hand into a hole or an area where there may be a snake.”
It could all sound form of scary, however Henley says snake bites are uncommon. Pets usually tend to be bitten, which is why pet homeowners want to ensure their dogs are on a leash when walking in or close to the coulees, and never simply due to the snakes. The coulees are brimming with all form of wildlife that may pose a menace for individuals walking their dogs.
If bitten by a snake, Henley advises remaining calm, staying nonetheless – simply be sure the snake is gone – and calling EMS.
Snakes, together with the nonvenomous bull snake and garter snake, will be discovered nearly anyplace within the coulees and river backside, in addition to on prime of the coulees on the prairies. That means they could be encountered in quite a few residential neighbourhoods, though predominantly in southwest Lethbridge in Paradise Canyon and RiverStone. They’ve been seen in Copperwood, nevertheless, they usually’re on the east facet of the river, as effectively, though in fewer numbers.
Henley says the town obtained almost 160 calls final yr to relocate rattlesnakes, which usually includes trapping them and transferring them nearer to the closest den. But not all snake sightings require relocation.
“If people need a snake relocated they can call us, but if a snake is in a natural area like along a coulee pathway or something like that, they’ll just kind of move on. That is their natural habitat.”
Additional details about rattlesnakes will be discovered on the town’s web site, and anybody who believes a snake needs to be relocated can name 403-332-6806.
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