Photo Courtesy Alberta Fish and Wildlife Services social media

By Tanner Smith

Alberta Fish & Wildlife Services

Fish & Wildlife “raising awareness” after youth’s harm garter snakes

Apr 28, 2025 | 11:51 AM

Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services are educating the public on protected garter snakes after an incident at Bear Creek lookout.

Fish and Wildlife say they received two reports about youths harming these protected snakes, and have now placed signs in the area to educate residents on the importance of the species and their hibernaculum; the underground area they use to spend the winter.

According to Fish and Wildlife, these snakes “play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Harming them or disturbing their habitat is not only damaging to wildlife — it is also against the law.”

At this time, Fish and Wildlife says they have followed up on two complaints regarding this incident and have conducted site visits.

They added that a further investigation may be pursued.