Snakes in Alberta

Alberta has 7 recorded snake species, and just 1 of them is venomous. That is a small lineup compared to most US states, and the reason is climate. Canada sits at the northern edge of where snakes can survive, so the country supports only a thin slice of North America's snake diversity.

Cold is the limiting factor. Alberta winters are long and harsh, and snakes are ectotherms that cannot generate their own body heat, so they must shelter underground for months. Many species here survive by hibernating communally, gathering by the dozens or hundreds in shared dens called hibernacula below the frost line, then emerging together when spring warms the ground. Garter snakes are the most common snakes you will see, and they are among the most cold-tolerant snakes in the Americas, which is why they range this far north.

The one venomous species in Alberta is the prairie rattlesnake, found across the dry prairie and grassland regions of the province. Treat any rattlesnake with respect: keep your distance, do not handle it, and never attempt to handle a wild venomous snake. If a bite occurs, call local emergency services right away, or in the US contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Every other snake in Alberta is harmless to people, so the practical risk is low. Leave any wild snake alone and give it room, and it will move on.