East patio reopened for use - avoid grassy areas

This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.

The east patio area outside Urban Market has been reopened to public access, but Campus Security is still cautioning people to avoid the grassy areas beyond the patio due to rattlesnake activity.

As the U of L is built into the coulee slopes along the Oldman River, an area that’s also habitat for the prairie rattlesnake, snakes are periodically seen on campus during the spring, summer and fall months as they travel in search of food. Recent rattlesnake activity beyond the east patio outside Urban Market prompted Campus Security to close access to the patio as the snakes began to emerge from their dens.

The patio itself is now considered a safe area but Campus Security recommends that people continue to avoid the grassy prairie beyond the patio.

The prairie rattlesnake can be identified by its arrow-shaped head and its olive green, yellow and brown colouring.

Often the first indication of a rattlesnake is the sound of its rattle. Rattlesnakes are shy by nature and will retreat rather than strike if they have the choice. But if they are surprised, cornered or stepped on, they can strike at a distance of up to half their length. Their venom is not especially lethal and no one in Alberta has died from a prairie rattlesnake bite.

If you encounter a rattlesnake on campus, back away slowly, remain calm, and give the snake plenty of space. Call U of L Security Services at 403-329-2345 and they will stand by and make arrangements for the snake to be relocated.

In the event a rattlesnake bites you, remain calm and get to a hospital as soon as possible. Do not try to suck or cut the venom out as it is quickly absorbed into the blood stream. Early treatment of rattlesnake bites usually results in a full recovery.

In Alberta, it’s illegal to kill a rattlesnake, possess rattlesnakes or their parts, or damage their denning areas.

More information is available on the City of Lethbridge website and information pamphlets are available at U of L Security Services.


Contact:

Trevor Kenney | trevor.kenney@uleth.ca