Snakes in Alberta

The only venomous snake dwelling in Alberta is the prairie rattlesnake found in the southern and southeastern regions, majorly occurring in Lethbridge city. Despite its high venom levels, this timid-natured snake barely attacks unless provoked, startled, or disturbed. Hence, reports of wounds or fatalities from prairie rattlesnake bites in Alberta are almost nil.

The four species of the non-venomous garter snakes that make their home in Alberta is primarily found in the province’s southern parts. Harmless to humans, they try hiding in their dens at the earliest if approached. They mostly prefer wet and grassy terrains for their habitat. The red-sided garter snake is common around parts of Edmonton. In contrast, the plains garter snake occupies the eastern part of Calgary and southeastern parts of Cold Lake.

Groups	Venomous	Non-venomous
Rattlesnakes	Prairie Rattlesnake	–
Garter Snakes	–	Wandering Garter Snake Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Plains Garter Snake Red-sided Garter Snake
Hognose Snakes	–	Western Hog-nosed Snake
Coluber	–	Yellow-bellied Racer
Pituophis	–	Bull Snake