Canmore Goose Euthanized
“It kind of looks a little bit like it’s drunk,” a bystander remarked of a disoriented Canada goose on Benchlands Trail, rmoutlook.com reported. The bird was later confirmed to have highly pathogenic avian influenza and was euthanized.
Jill Branson discovered the sick goose near Summit Café in the Cougar Creek neighbourhood around 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 29. She captured the animal and kept it in her yard overnight while attempting to secure professional help.
Rescuer Struggles to Find Help
Branson contacted Kananaskis Dispatch that night but spent nearly 24 hours with the bird at her home. Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society arranged for a volunteer to collect the goose at approximately 6 p.m. on Oct. 30.
Holly Lillie, executive director of the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), noted that rehabilitation organizations operate without government funding. “None of the wildlife centres are funded by the government, with the exception of maybe some summer student grants we might get,” Lillie said, according to rmoutlook.com. “Most of the time, we just simply do not have the resources to go out and collect animals.”
Avian Flu Strains Local Resources
AIWC has admitted more than 2,200 animals this year. Lillie stated that the organization has handled roughly 10 suspected or confirmed avian flu cases this year.
The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain has circulated across Alberta wild bird populations since 2022. Infected birds frequently exhibit neurological signs, including seizures, balance issues, and abnormal head movements.
Wildlife Enforcement Limits
Five Fish and Wildlife officers cover Canmore and Cochrane from an office in Cochrane. A Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services spokesperson explained that officers remain reachable 24/7 via the Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
Contact Numbers for Wildlife and Health Emergencies
What numbers should residents call for wildlife emergencies?
Callers can reach Fish and Wildlife through the Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800. For bird assistance, AIWC operates at 403-946-2361 and the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403-214-1312.
How can the public report dead wildlife suspected of carrying avian flu?
Suspected cases involving dead wildlife go to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas through 310-0000. Anyone with concerns regarding human exposure can reach Health Link at 811.
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