Garter snakes advisory on notice for drivers east of Edmonton

Red-sided gartersnakes are found throughout much of Alberta and are not dangerous to humans. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)

Alberta Parks is warning outdoor enthusiasts to be on the lookout for garter snakes when driving near campsites this weekend.

According to the notice posted to their website on Wednesday, garter snakes are migrating from their hibernacula – or hibernation sites – near Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation area located around 40 kilometers east of Edmonton and Miquelon Lake Provincial Park 20 kilometres southeast of the city.

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Alberta Parks said the snakes “will be crossing and stopping on roads more often during the spring season.”

Other affected areas include the Waskehegan staging area, Lost Lake Youth campsite, Meadow Youth Camp area and the Islet Lake staging area.

According to a 2021 blog post from the Royal Alberta Museum, garter snakes’ hibernacula are protected under the Alberta Wildlife Act and disturbing or destroying them can significantly reduce their population in the area.