County staff do not remove or relocate wildlife under any circumstances with the exception of beavers on County maintained lands.
Farmers with coyote predation issues can contact Agricultural Services for suggestions on managing livestock losses.
Living in the County, you should expect that wildlife is in your area and take precautions, even if you don't see them. Learn how to live with wildlife, reduce conflicts and know what to do if confronted by wildlife.
IF YOU HAVE AN IMMEDIATE CONCERN, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FISH & WILDLIFE OFFICE.
Bats |
Got bats? Bats are beneficial to have on your property and you can even build homes for them. Unless, of course they're in your attic, then you need Bat Management. |
Beavers |
If beavers have created flooding on a county roadway, contact Customer Service at 780-968-8888. Beavers on private property are the landowner's responsibility. |
Cougars |
Cougars do live in Parkland County! Contact your local Fish & Wildlife office if you require more information or have predation issues. |
Coyotes |
Coyotes have become more comfortable and bolder around humans in recent years. To help your children be safe, learn how to respond to coyote encounters. If you have predation issues involving livestock, contact Agricultural Services. |
Magpies |
If you have magpies in your yard, it is likely because they can find food there. Live magpie traps are available to rent through Agricultural Services for $12.00/3 days. |
Gopher (mole) |
The Northern Pocket Gopher is often mistakenly referred to as a mole. They are most easily identified by the mounds of black dirt they leave behind. While they can be a nuisance in gardens and lawns, they cause significant economic loss for farmers. Killing box traps are available at most agricultural supply stores. |
Porcupine |
Porcupines are Alberta's second largest rodent. They are good climbers, typically nocturnal and are active all winter. Electric fencing or metal banding trees are some ways of controlling porcupine damage. |
Rats |
If you suspect you have seen a rat, you can call Agricultural Services for a site visit, or email 310RATS@gov.ab.ca. Muskrats and Northern Pocket Gophers are often mistaken for rats. |
Ground squirrel |
Often referred to as gophers and play an important role in the ecology of Alberta's wildlife. The Richardson Ground Squirrel (RGS) can be a significant cause of crop production loss, livestock injury and damage to equipment from squirrel burrows. RGS's are not regulated, which means they can be lawfully shot, trapped or otherwise removed where permitted. Their populations can be managed. |
Squirrels |
They might be cute, but living with squirrels can be a challenge. Agricultural Services rents live traps for $12.00/week. |
Skunks |
The best way to minimize skunk problems is to remove potential sources of food and living sites for skunks. Maintain a clean, uncluttered yard, do not leave pet food outside, properly fence poultry runs, place beehives on 1m stands and properly store garbage and compost in secure containers with tight lids. Agricultural Services rents out live, plastic traps for $12.00/week. Captured skunks must be re-located or destroyed humanely. |
Wild boar |
Wild boar at large are an invasive pest that can damage property, crops, consume feed, and endanger people. Call 310-FARM for more information. Producers wishing to raise wild boar need to follow minimum containment standards. |
Hunting
Hunting is allowed in the County with some restrictions:
- You may not enter private property to hunt unless the landowner grants permission.
- Under Provincial Regulations, it is an offence to discharge a firearm within 183 metres (200 yards) of any occupied building in the County.
- Hunting, of any kind, is not permitted on any municipal/environmental reserve or on County recreation lands.
For more information, contact Enforcement Services or visit the hunting, fishing and boating page.
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