Rattlesnakes are naturally found in Canada, but their presence is highly restricted to isolated regions across three provinces. This limited distribution results from Canada representing the northernmost edge of their North American range. Unlike the widespread populations in the United States, Canadian rattlesnakes are small, geographically separated, and exist only in specific pockets of suitable habitat. The three species inhabiting the country are all considered at-risk.
Rattlesnake Species and Restricted Canadian Habitats
Canada is home to three distinct rattlesnake species, each occupying a specialized habitat. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) is the only venomous snake in eastern Canada, restricted to southern Ontario. Populations are primarily found along the eastern shore of Georgian Bay and on the Bruce Peninsula, with two smaller groups in the Carolinian zone. This small, thick-bodied species is associated with shoreline habitats, wetlands, and bedrock barrens.
The Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) and the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) inhabit western Canada’s arid landscapes. The Western Rattlesnake is confined to the dry, low-elevation valleys of British Columbia’s southern interior, specifically the Okanagan and Thompson river basins. This species is typically olive-green to tan with dark blotches and can reach 150 centimeters in length.
The Prairie Rattlesnake occupies the semi-arid grasslands of southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. These snakes live primarily along major river drainages and coulees, often hibernating communally in mammal burrows or rocky crevices. They are moderately large, with coloration varying from greenish-gray to light brown, featuring dark blotches that become bands near the tail.
Conservation Status and Legal Protections
All Canadian rattlesnake populations are vulnerable due to low numbers and fragmented habitats. Both the Western Rattlesnake and the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake are listed as Threatened or Endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). This designation provides legal protection, making it an offense to harass, capture, harm, or kill the snakes or damage their habitat.
The Prairie Rattlesnake is recognized federally as a species of Special Concern under SARA. These protections are mirrored in provincial legislation, such as the Ontario Endangered Species Act and the British Columbia Wildlife Act. Despite these laws, the species face severe threats from human activity.
Habitat loss and fragmentation from urban and agricultural development are the primary drivers of population decline. Road mortality is a devastating threat for these slow-moving reptiles, especially in areas with dense road networks. Human persecution, where people intentionally kill rattlesnakes out of fear, remains a challenge to conservation efforts.
Encounter Safety and Prevention
Rattlesnake bites are rare in Canada, as the snakes are non-aggressive and try to avoid human contact. Prevention centers on awareness, especially when hiking or camping in known rattlesnake habitats. Always remain on designated trails and avoid placing hands or feet into crevices, dense brush, or rock piles where a snake might be concealed.
Wearing appropriate footwear, such as ankle-high boots and long pants, provides protection when traversing rough terrain. If you encounter a rattlesnake, stop immediately, remain calm, and locate the snake. Slowly and quietly move away, allowing the snake a clear path to retreat, and maintain a distance of at least two meters.
Should a bite occur, treat it as a medical emergency by immediately calling 911. Keep the person calm and still, as movement increases the circulation of venom. The bitten limb should be kept at or slightly below heart level, and all constrictive items like rings or watches must be removed before swelling begins. Never apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or attempt to suck out the venom, as these actions cause more harm than good.