Problem Wildlife
Mitigating impacts to communities and infrastructure
We strive to maintain healthy wildlife populations while controlling species known to cause a disturbance.
The County has a full-time problem wildlife officer, and specialized equipment for trapping problem wildlife and removing beaver dams on County-owned lands. The County also works with landowners who wish to keep beavers on their property.
Humane Animal Control
Control doesn't always mean destruction; it includes trapping and relocating as well. The County will not participate in any unnecessary reduction in wildlife populations; only in their control to numbers agreeable with the land's carrying capacity and tolerance of the producer.
Beaver Control Strategies
If left unchecked, beavers can cause substantial damage to public infrastructure and private property. The County employs humane, environmentally friendly strategies to keep beaver populations at bay, remove water blockages due to beaver habitats, and mitigate damage and loss where possible.
Beaver Dam Removal
Each year, we proactively remove known problematic beaver dams. If beavers are causing flooding issues on private land, the landowner must seek the services of a licenced beaver trapper at their own expense.
Beaver Trapping Program
The County conducts its beaver trapping program each year during the spring and summer months, whereby beaver traps are set in ditches and known problem spots. It is dangerous and unlawful to tamper or to remove any traps.
Alberta's Wildlife Act - section 47(1) states "A person shall not interfere with the lawful hunting of wildlife by another person, or with any lawful activity preparatory to such hunting, with the intention of preventing or impeding the hunting or the continuation of the hunting. Under the Wildlife Act, a person convicted for this offence is liable to a fine of not more than $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or both. Unauthorized removal of traps could also fall under the criminal code as theft or public mischief. Note: Trapping is included under the definition of hunting.”
Alternate Beaver Mitigation Strategies
The County and its associates provide a broad summary of alternative beaver management solutions that can help mitigate beaver-related damage and loss, and that foster an environment of human-wildlife coexistence.
Other Problem Wildlife in the County
Coyotes
Producing livestock has many challenges — and coyote predation is one of them. Although they are important to the ecosystem, coyotes (which are wild canines found across North America) can cause problems when they damage or kill domestic livestock or domestic pets like dogs.
If you're dealing with problematic coyotes, there are ways the County can help. Contact the Agricultural Services team to get started.
Raccoons
Raccoons are traditionally found in southern Alberta, but are expanding their range and have been spotted in the region. Highly adaptable, they eat a wide variety of foods—and will readily take advantage of human food sources if available.
While generally harmless, raccoons can become a nuisance with unsecured garbage and unprotected gardens. Some raccoons may also carry diseases such as raccoon roundworm, canine distemper, or leptospirosis. Avoid areas where raccoons may have been present, and report any animals showing unusual behaviour.
If you're dealing with problematic raccoons, there are ways the County can help. Contact the Agricultural Services team to get started.
Rats
Albertans have enjoyed living without the menace of rats since 1950 when the Rat Control Program was established. Alberta’s rat-free status means there is no resident population of rats and they are not allowed to establish themselves. It does not mean we never get rats. Small infestations occasionally occur, but when found, the rats are isolated and eradicated through proven control methods.
Find out how we keep Alberta rat-free and what you can do to help.
Richardson's Ground Squirrels
Richardson’s Ground Squirrels are a common sight across Alberta’s rural and agricultural landscapes. While they are a natural part of the ecosystem, their presence can quickly become problematic when populations grow, particularly in areas with crops, hayfields, or pastureland.
Damage caused by these burrowing animals can range from minor inconvenience to significant agricultural impact. They feed on crops and vegetation, reduce plant growth through grazing and trampling, and their extensive burrow systems can create hazards for livestock and equipment.
The County has a bounty program for Richardson’s Ground Squirrels and currently offers $1 per tail. For more information, please email Agricultural Services.
Skunks
Skunks are common throughout Alberta and are well adapted to both rural and residential areas. Omnivores by nature, they feed on insects, small animals, fruits, and garbage—often foraging at night.
While generally non-aggressive, skunks can become a nuisance if they take up shelter under decks, sheds, or other structures. Their digging can damage lawns and gardens, and encounters with pets often result in unpleasant spray incidents. Skunks can also carry diseases such as rabies, so it’s best to keep a safe distance and ensure attractants like pet food and unsecured waste are removed.
Any skunk that is active in the daytime, unusually aggressive or approaches people and other animals without fear should be avoided. In the later stages of rabies infections, skunks may wander, be listless and docile, and have head or body tremors. If you see such behaviour in a skunk please report it.
Keep your pet's rabies vaccinations up to date, especially if it is allowed to roam.
If you're dealing with problematic skunks, there are ways the County can help. Contact the Agricultural Services team to get started.
Wild Boar
When not being raised as livestock, wild boar are considered to be ‘at large.’ In Alberta, wild boar are an invasive species and a provincially regulated agricultural pest when at large. They can damage property, agricultural crops, pastures and the environment, and are known to endanger people and animals.
Under the Agricultural Pests Act and Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation, landowners are required to control or destroy pests and prevent them from becoming established on their land. In addition, you can help by learning to recognize signs of their activity, and reporting sightings of wild boar at large.
Report Wild Boar
If you see wild boar at large, or signs of wild boar activity:
- Safely take a picture.
- Note the location.
- Fill in our online reporting form:
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