The April 6 session of the 2017 Royal Tyrrell Museum’s Speaker Series is a presentation by Jeff Zimmer, from the District Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Branch, entitled “Snakes of Alberta.”
Alberta is home to six native species of snakes. They include the venomous prairie rattlesnake, the bull snake (that can grow up to two metres long), and the western hog-nosed snake that rolls over and plays dead when frightened. Snakes are feared and misunderstood by most of the human population and this can lead to their persecution and destruction. All of Alberta’s snakes are protected by provincial law, but this still does not stop some people from intentionally killing them, turning them into pets, or selling live ones.
Officer Zimmer spent several years working in snake country in the southeast corner of the province both protecting snakes and dealing with snake issues. In his presentation, he will talk about identifying native snakes, how to prevent encounters, and protect native snake habitat. He will also provide tips on what to do if you’re bitten by a snake.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum’s Speaker Series talks are free and open to the public. They are held every Thursday until April 27 at 11:00 a.m. in the Museum auditorium. Past Speaker Series talks are also available on the Museum’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/RoyalTyrrellMuseum
