Lethbridge’s snake handler has had a bustling year, with Ryan First Diver tackling a majority of calls from the City of Lethbridge hotline for snake concerns. The city’s program relocates snakes from public areas to their natural habitats, like den sites or birthing grounds. This year, 211 snakes, including rattlesnakes and bullsnakes, have been moved, marking a record number.
City officials note an increase in awareness among residents regarding snakes, attributing it to First Diver’s social media posts. Residents are now actively sharing information online to educate others about snake presence in the area. If residents spot a snake and are concerned, they can contact the city’s hotline for assistance.
Contrary to common misconceptions, rattlesnakes are not aggressive, according to experts like First Diver and Stefano Liccioli. Liccioli emphasizes that while rattlesnakes are venomous, instances of bites are rare and usually occur when the snakes feel threatened or cornered. Observing caution and staying calm around rattlesnakes is advised, as they primarily bite for defense or food, rather than aggression.
The increasing number of calls in Lethbridge may indicate a rise in the snake population or heightened awareness among residents. Efforts are underway to study and monitor rattlesnake populations in Alberta, with ongoing tracking of snake movements and den locations. Liccioli anticipates obtaining substantial data on population trends within the next decade to inform conservation efforts and potential program adjustments.
Overall, the focus is on understanding how snakes are adapting to environmental pressures and conservation actions to ensure their protection in the long term.