What to do if you meet a snake in Calgary’s Fish Creek Park

Spring is finally here! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping. Oh, and the snakes are waking up.

Yes, there are snakes in Calgary, but no, you don’t have to worry about them. Of the seven species of snakes in Alberta, only two are found in the south and central parts of the province.

It just so happens that Fish Creek Provincial Park is home to several of the known wintering dens in southcentral Alberta. Wintering dens, better known as snake hibernacula, are home to red-sided and wandering garter snakes from about October to April. These cold-blooded creatures spend the winter hibernating and emerge once they feel the warmth of spring.

Human activity in wild spaces is on the rise, which means snake hibernacula are dwindling. The snake hibernacula in Fish Creek Provincial Park are particularly noteworthy because, although it is unusual for snakes to burrow in cities, these habitats are critical for their survival.

Snakes on plains

And why should you care if snakes survive? First of all, look at those sweet little faces. Second, snakes are considered an indicator species, which means that a healthy population of snakes signifies the health of the ecosystem.

Garter snakes are particularly useful for hunting insects, slugs, frogs, minnows, and occasionally mice and small birds. They also feed hawks, foxes, and coyotes. Remember elementary school science class? Biodiversity is the foundation of a healthy ecosystem, and we wouldn’t have that without our little snake friends.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you want to run into one, but fortunately, you probably never will. Due to their skittish nature, snakes tend to shy away from humans. If a brave little fella does cross your path, don’t attempt to capture, harm, or disturb it. Give the snake lots of room to escape, and whatever you do, never remove a snake from the park or wreck any snake denning sites you may encounter.

Enjoy your time outdoors, and remember to be a friend to wildlife.

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