RCMP investigating death of beaver at Three Mile Bend

July 21, 2010

(Red Deer, Alberta) – Red Deer RCMP are investigating after a beaver was found dead at the Three Mile Bend Recreation Area.

A tip from a member of the public who found the dead beaver while canoeing at the park led to the discovery of the animal. Further investigation revealed that the probable cause of death was a gunshot wound. The City has turned the animal over to Alberta Fish and Wildlife and has opened a case file with the RCMP.

It is not possible to identify the beaver as the one that killed a dog and injured several more almost two weeks ago, but Red Deer RCMP are very concerned about this latest incident involving wildlife at the off-leash park.

“This has become more than an issue of wildlife in Red Deer’s park system; this is now a serious breach of public safety,” said Insp. Ray Noble with the Red Deer RCMP. “By illegally discharging a firearm within city limits and killing wildlife in our park system, this individual has committed a crime and, if caught, appropriate action will be taken.”

The City of Red Deer’s Firearms Bylaw prohibits the discharge of any firearm within the boundaries of the city. Other provincial and federal legislation also addresses this offence.

While Red Deer RCMP are requesting the public’s help in locating the individual who shot the beaver, The City is no longer planning to remove or relocate the remaining beavers from the park in response to the previous complaint from Alberta Animal Services.

“The City has received no additional reports of beaver attacks at Three Mile Bend since last weekend,” said Trevor Poth, Parks Superintendent with The City. “Based on that and the illegal killing of this beaver, we see no need to trap or relocate any beaver at Three Mile Bend at this time. We will, however, continue to monitor the situation at the park and educate park users.”

The City has erected more signage in the park warning users of wildlife in the area and will be distributing information to educate park users about coexisting with wildlife. However, dog owners are reminded of their responsibility to maintain control over their pets, even when in an off-leash park.

Anyone who has information about illegal firearm discharge within city limits, including information about the death of the beaver, should contact the RCMP complaint line at 403-343-5575. Anyone concerned about aggressive wildlife behavior should contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 403-340-5142.

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For more information, please contact:

Trevor Poth
Parks Superintendent
The City of Red Deer
403-342-8372