However, the rattlers will rarely attack unless provoked. Lethbridge used to have a healthy rattler population. However, in recent years the city has expanded into the snakes' natural hibernation and feeding grounds. It's a particular problem in the community of Paradise Canyon, where a resort-style golf course was built smack in the middle of the rattlers' traditional migration routes. Ernst said too many snakes are being killed as they travel from their hibernation grounds in Paradise Canyon, across the roads surrounding the golf course, and onward to feeding grounds in nearby Popson Park.
Most people have an innate fear of rattlesnakes for no good reason.
Ernst, hired by the City of Lethbridge last year to survey the rattler population, discovered it has plummeted to only about 30 adults. Now Ernst, along with city officials and members of the Lethbridge Naturalists Society, are scrambling to find a way to save them. Linda Cerny, president of the naturalists society, said most residents support saving the snakes. But there is also a small minority that thinks Lethbridge would be better off snake-free. Some people are like 'I don't care.