Beavers are native to Airdrie’s Nose Creek corridor. Beaver 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 install flow control devices and exclusion barricades. These strategies were developed through consultation provided in 2023 and are outlined in the IPM Plan.
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, bobcats 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.
Canadian Geese are present spring through fall in Airdrie. Geese are most present in the spring and fall as they use storm ponds and open fields as resting areas during migration.
Beyond migration, some mating pairs will make their summer homes in Airdrie. Nesting near water bodies, it is common to see goslings in the spring or early summer before migration south begins in the fall.
The presence of coyotes in Airdrie is an indication of Airdrie’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 IPM Plan.
Airdrie and the surrounding prairies are native to the Richardson Gound 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 IPM 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.
For emergency situations where there is an active attack or an immediate danger to public call 9-1-1.
Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation 403.946.2361
Large Wildlife - badger, bear, bobcat, cougar, moose, wild boar, wolf.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife 403.297.6423
Small Wildlife - birds, beaver, Canada goose, coyote, crow, deer, jackrabbit, magpie, pigeon, pocket gopher, porcupine, raccoon, Richardson ground squirrel, skunk, squirrel.
City of Airdrie – Parks Department 403.948.8400 or parks@airdrie.ca
On the road
City of Airdrie – Roads Department 403.948.8415 or roads@airdrie.ca
In a park
City of Airdrie – Parks Department 403.948.8400 or parks@airdrie.ca
Highway 2
Volker Stevin 1.888.877.6237
RCMP Non-emergency line 403.945.7200