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By Darren Rathwell

A species at risk

Park interpreter says to watch for rattlesnakes, particularly in dog parks

Apr 26, 2022 | 4:39 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – There’s an appeal today to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes in Medicine Hat as they head out of hibernation once again.

Local officials say rattlesnakes have begun the annual trek from their dens in search of food.

Rattlers can surface just about anywhere in the city, but officials say dog parks in particular have had sightings.

However, rattlesnakes are a species at risk, and people are being asked to avoid them for the safety of both themselves and the snakes.

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Local interpreter Tamara Miller says if you encounter one, it’s best to just keep walking.

“Don’t disturb them. They’re not going to strike unless they have a reason too. (They) produce venom and it takes a lot of energy and they would rather use it to kill their prey, to capture their prey rather than on us as humans so they’re not interested in biting us. But if you give them a reason to bite you they absolutely will.”

Miller, who’s with the Medicine Hat Interpretive Program, says rattlesnakes are an important part of the local ecosystem and aid in eradicating gophers and mice.

But she says their numbers have been declining as people kill them either intentionally or accidentally.