May 25, 2010
(Red Deer, Alberta) – With several recent moose sightings in Red Deer, City staff remind residents to make safety a priority when near our urban wildlife.
“With moose, deer and other animals living in our parks system, it’s easy to forget they are wild animals,” said Ken Lehman, parks planning and ecological specialist with The City of Red Deer. “We always recommend that the public use caution and common sense around all types of wildlife.”
Residents should take extra caution around moose and other wildlife in the spring, when they may be protecting their young. Some animals, including moose, may act aggressively if they are harassed. “It’s important to maintain an appropriate distance from wildlife,” said Lehman. “People may want to get closer to have a better look or to get a better picture, but this can be threatening behaviour for animals, and they may become defensive.”
If moose or other large wildlife do become agitated, the public can take shelter behind a tree or a car. Dogs should also be kept on leash and restrained to prevent injuries or unnecessary encounters with these animals.
Lehman notes that it’s important to let wildlife live as naturally as possible, even in urban environments. “It’s not a good practice to feed any type of wildlife, because this can cause animals to lose their natural fear of humans, which may lead to aggressive behaviour,” he said. “We encourage the public to appreciate the wildlife in our city and to respect them for the wild, healthy and self-sustaining animals that they are.”
Further information on living with urban wildlife is available at:
- Kerry Wood Nature Centre – 6300 45 Avenue, Red Deer
- Alberta Fish & Wildlife – www.srd.gov.ab.ca
- Canadian Wildlife Federation – www.hww.ca
-end-
For more information, please contact:
The City of Red Deer
Parks Section
403-342-8234
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