## Alberta wildlife hospital says animal intake on the rise, ‘interactions with people’ largely to blame
NewAmir Said | CBC News | Posted: January 5, 2026 12:00 PM | Last Updated: Just now
Urban sprawl among causes of increased human-wildlife conflict, advocates say
A major wildlife rehabilitator in Alberta says the number of patients coming in is on the rise – and interactions with humans are largely to blame.
The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation, located about 30 kilometres north of Calgary, has admitted more than 38,000 animals since it was founded in 1993. This year alone, it’s taken in more than 2,000.
“We have seen an upward trend in the number of patients coming in, pretty much since the pandemic began,” said the center’s communications co-ordinator, Scottie Potter.
Potter says the centre first attributed the increased patient intake to people spending more time outdoors and encountering more animals, since there wasn’t much else to do during lockdown.
Wildlife injuries in Alberta frequently enough stem from human interactions: expert
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the majority of animals treated at Alberta animal hospitals are injured due to interactions with people or human-made structures, such as vehicle collisions and entanglement in barbed wire, according to wildlife expert Dr.Karen Potter.
Last year, alberta’s Wildlife Watch program documented 13,051 roadkill carcasses. Potter emphasizes that driving carefully and being aware, especially on rural roads, is the most effective way to prevent harming animals.
Another important cause of wildlife injuries and fatalities is attacks by domestic cats. A 2013 study published in the avian Conservation and Ecology journal estimates that cats kill 100 million to 350 million birds annually in Canada, while a more recent University of Guelph study suggests the number is closer to 60 million. Calgary’s Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw aims to reduce cat predation on birds by requiring cats to remain on their owner’s property.
Though, well-intentioned human intervention can also be detrimental to wildlife. “When it comes to animals like fawns and jackrabbits, another major…
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Alberta Sees Increased Interactions Between Animals and People
Recent reports indicate a rise in the number of animals requiring rescue and rehabilitation in Alberta, Canada, due to interactions with the public. The Alberta Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (AWRS) is experiencing a higher volume of cases,highlighting the need for increased public awareness and responsible wildlife interactions.
Rising Rescue Numbers & The Role of AWRS
The AWRS,based in Calgary,is a key organization dedicated to the rescue,rehabilitation,and release of injured and orphaned wildlife. According to a recent interview with Candace Potter, a spokesperson for the AWRS [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-wildlife-rehabilitation-society-animals-injured-1.7074919], the centre is seeing an increase in animals needing assistance.
“For every [animal] that doesn’t make it, that doesn’t survive an interaction with people, we are able to give a second chance to… another animal of the same species,” Potter stated. “And so we’re able to tip the scales in favour of the animals, and hopefully get things a little bit more evened out.”
This statement underscores the critical role rehabilitation centres play in mitigating the impact of human-wildlife conflict. While not all animals survive their injuries,the AWRS’s work contributes to the overall health and stability of local wildlife populations.
Common Causes of Wildlife Injuries
The increase in rescues is attributed to a variety of factors, including:
* Vehicle Collisions: Animals are frequently injured or killed by vehicles, particularly in areas with high traffic volume.
* Domestic Animal Attacks: Cats and dogs can inflict serious injuries on wildlife.
* Human Interference: Well-intentioned but misguided attempts to help wildlife – such as handling young animals – can cause stress and harm. Frequently enough, young animals are not abandoned and are being monitored by their mothers.
* habitat loss & Fragmentation: As human development encroaches on wildlife habitats, animals are forced into closer proximity to people, increasing the likelihood of conflict.
* Window Strikes: Birds frequently collide with windows, resulting in injuries or fatalities.
What to Do If You Find Injured Wildlife
The AWRS provides clear guidance on how to respond if you encounter injured or orphaned wildlife:
- Do Not Approach: Maintain a safe distance. Wild animals, even when injured, can be dangerous.
- Assess the Situation: observe the animal from a distance. Is it visibly injured? Is it a young animal that appears to be orphaned?
- Contact a Professional: Instantly contact the Alberta Wildlife Rehabilitation Society https://www.albertawildliferehab.org/ or a local Fish and Wildlife office. They can provide guidance and arrange for the animal to be rescued.
- Do Not Attempt to Treat: Unless directed by a wildlife professional, do not attempt to provide food, water, or medical care. Improper care can worsen the animal’s condition.
- Secure domestic Animals: Keep pets away from the injured animal to prevent further harm.
Preventative Measures & Coexistence
Preventing wildlife injuries requires a proactive approach focused on coexistence. Here are some steps individuals can take:
* Drive Carefully: Be vigilant while driving, especially in areas known to be wildlife habitats.
* Keep Pets Under Control: Supervise pets when outdoors and consider keeping cats indoors, particularly during peak wildlife activity periods.
* Secure Garbage: Properly store garbage to prevent attracting animals to residential areas.
* Bird-Friendly Windows: Reduce window collisions by using decals, screens, or other visual markers.
* Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid feeding them.
Key Takeaways
* Wildlife rehabilitation centres in Alberta are experiencing increased demand due to rising human-wildlife interactions.
* The Alberta Wildlife Rehabilitation Society plays a vital role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned wildlife.
* Common causes of wildlife injuries include vehicle collisions, domestic animal attacks, and human interference.
* If you find injured wildlife, contact a professional immediately – do not attempt to handle or treat the animal yourself.
* Preventative measures, such as responsible driving and pet ownership, are crucial for promoting coexistence.
Looking ahead, continued public education and habitat conservation efforts will be essential to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and ensure the long-term health of alberta’s wildlife populations.
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