Safety Tips

Rattlesnakes

If you see a rattlesnake, walk slowly away and give it plenty of room to escape. These venomous snakes are not aggressive. Given a choice, they will retreat rather than strike.
You may or may not hear the rattle or buzzing noise a rattlesnake makes to warn you of its presence.
Keep your dog on a leash when hiking in the badlands. Stay to mowed areas or established trails. Be vigilant stepping over rocks as snakes cannot hear the vibration your footsteps make.
Rattlesnakes can strike up to a distance of about half their body length. Their venom is not particularly potent. An estimated 20% of their bites are dry - no venom is injected.
If you get bitten, stay calm and seek medical attention as soon as possible (call 9-1-1). The Brooks Health Centre is 48 kilometres southwest of the park.

Daytime temperatures in July and August can reach 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
Protect yourself from sunburn and heat exhaustion when hiking. Bring sunscreen (at least SPF 30), a wide-brimmed hat and at least one litre of water per person.
If you feel ill, seek immediate attention.

During rainstorms, the park's clay layers absorb a large amount of water and become extremely slippery.
If you notice signs of an approaching storm, you may want to cut your hike short to avoid slippery trails.
After a rainstorm, wait a half to full day to allow rock surfaces to dry out.
Always wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes (not sandals) while hiking.
Please stay on the trails. Dinosaur Provincial Park's unique landscape is extremely susceptible to erosion.
Watch your step. If you see a rattlesnake, black widow spider or scorpion, do not touch or approach it. Give it room to move away from you.

For information about Red Deer River flow advisories and forecasts, check with Alberta River Basins