The City of Airdrie has implemented Stage 4 water restrictions due to a water main break in Calgary. Learn more
Wildlife attack
Wildlife in distress
Large wildlife including badgers, bears, bobcats, cougars, moose, wild boars or wolves: Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 403.297.6423
Small wildlife including birds, beavers, Canadian Geese, coyotes, crows, deer, jackrabbits, magpies, pigeons, porcupines, raccoons, skunks, gophers and squirrels: City of Airdrie at general.inquiries@airdrie.ca or 403.948.8800
Loose livestock: RCMP non-emergency line at 403.945.7200
It’s not unusual to spot Canadian geese around Airdrie. During the fall (early November), geese can be found in distress or even perish due to stress from long migrations or Avian Influenza.
If you see geese or birds in distress, please do not attempt to rescue them. This poses a high risk that Avian Influenza can spread to other animals (specifically if infected birds are brought to rescue facilities).
The most responsible approach (while not ideal) is to allow nature to take its course. Deceased geese are safely retrieved by the City and we monitor the situation and work closely with Alberta Agriculture.
To minimize risks to yourself and pets, avoid contact with sick or dead animals. Dead animals in parks and green spaces can be reported to the city at 403.948.8800.
Avian Influenza in wild birds
Avian influenza in domestic birds
Beavers are native to Airdrie and activity can be seen along Nose Creek where trees have been harvested, bank dens have been established and dams have been built.
The City of Airdrie has developed best management strategies to encourage coexistence with beavers. Strategies include protect high value vegetation and preferred harvest sites and installation of flow control devices and exclusion barricades.
These strategies were developed through consultation provided in 2023 and are outlined in the Integrated Pest Management Plan (PDF).
Bobcats are a part of Airdrie’s urban ecosystem and play a key role in regulating populations of many small mammals and rodents.
With human activity encroaching on bobcat habitats, they are becoming more common in urban settings. Bobcat activity through the daytime is becoming more common as compared to their natural dusk and dawn activity.
The presence of coyotes in Airdrie is an indication of it's diverse and healthy ecosystem. While their activity is primarily nocturnal, coyote daytime activity often increases during colder periods.
Coyotes are present year-round within the city. Poor human habits that provide coyotes easier access to food play a role in coyotes being attracted to urban settings.
The City of Airdrie has developed a response plan to coyote activity through the city. This response plan is geared towards co-existence with public safety and education at the forefront.
Details on how this city is coexisting with coyotes is outlined in the Integrated Pest Management Plan (PDF).
Airdrie and the surrounding prairies are native to the Richardson Ground Squirrel, commonly referred to as gophers. Almost the entire footprint of Airdrie sits native habitat for Richardson Ground Squirrels.
As the city has developed, colonies of ground squirrels have remained through the city. Ground squirrel activity begins in early spring with males coming out of hibernation. Ground squirrels can be seen through the warmer months in Airdrie before going into hibernation.
The city controls ground squirrels where their activity has created safety concerns. There is zero tolerance for ground squirrel activity on sports fields. Areas with significant pedestrian activity and near sensitive areas are considered for control.
Details around ground squirrel control plans are outlined in the Integrated Pest Management Plan.
Jackrabbits are a type of hare that is native to the Airdrie area. Hares are in Airdrie year-round appearing brown in colour through warmer months and turning off white in the winter.
Despite the reputation hares have for damaging gardens, they are key contributors to creating healthy plant ecosystems. From their diet of mostly green vegetation, they act as a vector for dispersing the seeds they feed on, contributing to the diversity of vegetation through their habitat range.
Beyond their benefits to vegetation, hares are also a key part of local predator’s diet. Hares are seen as attractive prey because of their size in comparison to other prey options.
Feral domestic rabbits are also present in our city. They are descendants of house-pet breeds that have populated on their own, are not native to Airdrie. They breed frequently and produce a high rabbit population that may attract wildlife and cause damage to property and trees.
Skunks spend all year in Airdrie with their activity slowing during colder months. Skunks benefit from urban settings where denning locations and food sources are easily accessed.
A great benefit of skunks is their pest control activities. Skunks preferred diet includes small rodents such as mice and insects including wasps.
If you come across a skunk that is growling, hissing, stomping its feet, or raising their tail, this skunk is feeling threatened and is ready to spray. It is best to calmly back away and avoid any actions that may make the skunk feel threatened.