(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Garden of the Gods is speaking out on why a couple of rattlesnakes were moved over to the park.

Earlier in July, staff at Rock Ledge Ranch removed a snake from an area where it could harm people or be harmed by people. The two prairie rattlesnakes were then moved to a less densely populated area of the Garden of the Gods.

“The reason why we end up moving the snakes is that we relocate them because they are in super-populated areas, and we want to make sure that they are having a good life and that they are not interacting with the public as much as possible,” said Ranger Grace, a trained professional who helped relocate the two rattlesnakes.

Rattlesnakes are vital to Colorado, so park staff were careful not to affect their natural behavior. Previously, Garden of the Gods manager Anna Cordova said park staff only release any rattlesnakes moved within half a mile of where they were taken to ensure the snakes’ chances of survival.

“Our ecosystem needs them,” said Ranger Grace. “They’re very important, so we relocate them to less densely populated areas. So that way, they are safe and you are safe.”