Strathcona County has introduced new initiatives to safeguard plains garter snakes from vehicle collisions this autumn. The decision follows a distressing report of over 1,000 snake fatalities recorded between 2023 and 2025 along a seven-kilometer section of Range Road 210, stretching from Township Road 530 to Wye Road in a southerly direction.
Margo Pybus, the president of Friends of Cooking Lake-Blackfoot, raised awareness about the issue to the county authorities after personally witnessing 41 deceased snakes during a drive along the road in May 2023. Pybus highlighted that the habitat surrounding the road is a significant nesting ground for garter snakes. The eastern side provides rich fields and ponds for summer feeding, while the western side offers ideal denning sites for winter hibernation, leading the snakes to traverse the highway seasonally.
The warmth emitted by the asphalt during cooler days serves as a crucial resting area for these cold-blooded reptiles. To address the issue, Strathcona County is collaborating with various organizations such as Friends of Cooking Lake-Blackfoot, Elk Island National Park, and the Beaver Hills Biosphere to brainstorm solutions for enhancing snake safety along the highway.
Measures undertaken by the county include the installation of seasonal electronic message boards cautioning drivers to watch out for snakes, along with targeted social media campaigns to raise awareness. Although permanent traffic signs were initially put up, they were repeatedly stolen, prompting the county to forgo replacements due to financial constraints.
Despite the reduction in snake casualties following the implementation of these measures, the exact cause—whether increased driver vigilance or a decline in snake population—remains uncertain. This fall, the county plans to erect fencing to guide snakes toward culverts that provide safe passage to their dens without crossing the road. Additionally, speed limits will be lowered at a specific intersection known for snake dens to mitigate risks.
Jocelyn Thrasher-Haug, the county’s agriculture and environment manager, emphasized the importance of changing public behavior to ensure better snake protection. Encouraging drivers to remain alert while traveling along Range Road 210 for snakes, Pybus noted that garter snakes are easily identifiable if one knows what to look for.
In conclusion, the county is committed to safeguarding these vulnerable reptiles and hopes that these combined efforts will lead to a safer environment for both snakes and motorists.