Hatters can ease fear of snakes at Police Point Park

Miller is putting on presentations at the centre to teach anyone interested about the snakes that are in Medicine Hat and the surrounding area. Miller uses Bandit, a bull snake who is staying at the centre until the end of October, to help familiarize people with the reptiles.

“Bandit is an excellent teaching tool,” says Miller. “So we encourage people to come down and ask questions about her to get to know snakes a little bit.”

Miller says Bandit doesn’t have to come out of her enclosure to educate people. She can stay in her tank and people can look at her and ask any questions they might have.

Miller hopes to provide visitors with “a stong knowledge of snakes and some comfort with them” to help ease people’s fears.

“For example, they don’t have arms and legs, so eating their prey whole is their only option, otherwise they’d have to starve,” explains Miller.

Miller says in general, snakes are just as uncomfortable with people as people are with them, and if you come across one, it is best to leave it alone

“If you encounter a rattlesnake, the best thing you can do is walk the other way,” says Miller. “They will give you a good warning sign [if you get too close], so when you hear that rattle it’s time to leave them alone.”

Miller says you can take photos of the snakes from a distance, but warns the more you harass a snake, the more likely it is you will get bitten.

It is illegal to to harass, capture or purposely run over any kind of snake in Alberta. Miller says now is the time of year when snake sightings are more common, making it even more important leave some distance between you and the snakes.

“Most snakes ar emigrating back to their dens and their hibernacula homes,” says Miller. “Right now they’re crossing the roads, so take care when you’re driving and watch for signs indicating a high population of snakes.”

Miller is holding a presentation on Friday, August 26 for anyone who is interested in learning more about snakes and the ones in Medicine Hat. The presentation is free to attend but guests are asked to bring their own lawn chair if they plan on attending.

by Meghan Cobb

Hatters can ease fear of snakes at Police Point Park

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