Human-Wildlife Conflict

The best way to avoid human-wildlife conflict is to learn how to responsibly coexist with wildlife. People, not wildlife, are often the ones responsible for creating the "problem wildlife" and a lasting solution is seldom found in trapping or physically removing the animal.

In order to minimize or eliminate human-wildlife conflict, please respect the needs of wildlife and focus on better understanding and dealing with the root of the problem. Please view the resources below when dealing with human-wildlife conflict.

Domestic Animals

For the removal of and live trap use/availability for domestic small animals including cats and dogs, please contact Alberta Animal Services at 403-347-2388.

Small Wildlife

If you have problems or concerns with any of the following species, please contact Medicine River Wildlife Centre or info@mrwc.ca to consult with the Centre's Wildlife Conflict Specialist. Trapping and relocating wildlife on your own often results in cruelty and rarely solves the problem permanently at its root cause. Medicine River Wildlife Centre is not expected to remove animals if you trap them.

Small wildlife species include:

  • crows
  • fox
  • hare
  • magpies
  • mice/voles
  • pigeons
  • pocket gophers/ground squirrels
  • porcupine
  • skunks
  • snakes
  • squirrels

Large Wildlife

If you experience dangerous situations with large wildlife (coyote, deer, moose) or if deer or moose are hit by cars and unable to stand please contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 403-754-3159. Call Report a Poacher at 1-800-642-3800 if your call falls outside of office hours.

For conflict situations with deer or moose (e.g. animals eating garden or trees) refer to the Small Wildlife section above.  

Rats

Since the 1950s, Central Alberta has had the reputation of being rat-free. If given the opportunity, rats can quickly cause a lot of damage to food crops, infrastructure and even human health. Learn more about identifying rats, such as the Norway Rat, or view the Rat Control in Alberta (pdf) information package.

Report all sightings and suspected infestations of the Norway Rat to Parks and Public Works by emailing parksandpublicworks@reddeer.ca or calling 403-342-8238.

For more information on how to live responsibly with wildlife, please contact the Kerry Wood Nature Centre at 403-346-2010.