Understanding Calgary’s Wildlife Monitoring Program

As homeowners in Calgary, we’re fortunate to live in a city that’s home to a diverse array of wildlife, ranging from coyotes and deer to porcupines and beavers. The natural parks in Calgary play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance, and many of us enjoy the beauty of these parks and their animal inhabitants. But did you know that you can actively contribute to the understanding and conservation of Calgary’s wildlife?

Welcome to Calgary’s Wildlife Monitoring Program—an initiative that brings together the community to study and protect our local ecosystems.

What is the Wildlife Monitoring Program?

The Wildlife Monitoring Program in Calgary is an effort led by The City of Calgary, utilizing motion-activated cameras strategically placed across various parks to capture wildlife in action. The goal is to learn more about the wildlife species that call Calgary home, where they live, how they interact, and how we, as humans, impact their behavior.

How Can You Get Involved?

You don’t need to be an expert in wildlife to help out! Through the Calgary Captured initiative, citizens can take part in the process of identifying and classifying wildlife caught on camera. Since May 2017, thousands of images of Calgary’s wildlife have been captured, and now, with your help, these images can be analyzed more quickly.

Simply head over to Zooniverse, an online platform where you can look through images of wildlife in Calgary’s parks. Your task is to help identify which animals are in the pictures. It’s an exciting way to contribute to the ongoing research, all from the comfort of your home.

Why Does This Matter?

The data collected through this program helps city planners, environmental scientists, and park managers make informed decisions about park design and wildlife conservation efforts. Here are a few questions the program seeks to answer:

• Who calls Calgary home? While we can’t measure exact populations, we can get a sense of which animals are frequently seen in certain parks.
• Where are they? Knowing the areas where certain species spend most of their time helps target conservation and management efforts.
• How do species coexist? The cameras provide insights into how wildlife species interact with each other, helping us understand predator-prey dynamics and the effects of urban environments on wildlife behavior.
• How can humans and wildlife coexist? The data will help us learn how human activities impact wildlife and what steps can be taken to create safer spaces for both.

What Are the Parks with Wildlife Cameras?

The City has strategically installed cameras in 13 city parks and one provincial park to capture a wide range of wildlife. The parks that have cameras include:

These parks are home to a variety of species, from small ground squirrels to larger mammals like coyotes and moose. Your involvement can provide invaluable data to help understand how these animals are using the parks and whether their habitats are being affected by human activity.

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What Wildlife Can You Expect to See?

From urban-adapted animals like magpies and ground squirrels to more elusive creatures like porcupines, beavers, and coyotes, Calgary’s parks are teeming with life. Some species, such as deer fawns, may even be seen resting quietly, as they use this stillness as a defense mechanism.

Other species to watch for include:

• Coyotes: Common in Calgary, especially in remote areas. Always keep dogs leashed when in these regions.
• Deer Fawns: Often found in June, they stay still to protect themselves.
• Badgers: Solitary and nocturnal, badgers are peaceful unless provoked.
• Beavers: Known for building dams, they help maintain healthy waterways but can sometimes cause damage to vegetation and infrastructure.
• Bats: Important for controlling mosquito populations, bats also contribute to pollination and seed spreading.

How to Report Wildlife Sightings

If you spot wildlife in or around your neighborhood, you can also help by reporting it to The City of Calgary. Simply call 311 or use the online portal to report sightings of animals, especially if they’re near residential areas or causing concerns.

Tips for Coexisting with Wildlife

Living in a city surrounded by nature can bring its challenges, especially when wild animals venture into urban spaces. Here are some safety tips for homeowners:

• Keep dogs leashed: Particularly in areas where coyotes are known to roam.
• Don’t feed wildlife: Feeding animals can lead to dependence on human-provided food and alter their natural behaviors.
• Stay informed: Be aware of which species are more likely to be in your neighborhood, such as deer, porcupines, or raccoons.
• Contact authorities if necessary: If large animals like bears or moose are spotted in urban areas, call 9-1-1 for safety.

Takeaways

Calgary’s Wildlife Monitoring Program not only provides valuable insights into our local ecosystem but also allows you to actively participate in preserving the beauty and balance of our urban parks. Whether you're identifying wildlife caught on camera through Calgary Captured or reporting sightings through 311, you’re helping ensure a sustainable environment for both humans and animals alike.

So, next time you’re out for a walk in one of Calgary’s parks, remember—you may be sharing the space with a whole host of wildlife that’s quietly observing you as well. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready—you never know what critters you might spot!

Innovative Pest Solutions’s Wildlife Control Program

At Innovative Pest Solutions, we understand the importance of safely coexisting with wildlife, but we also know that some animals can pose risks when they make their way into your home. Our comprehensive wildlife control program is designed to exclude unwanted guests like squirrels, bats, skunks, birds, flying squirrels, and more from your property. 

We use humane and effective methods to prevent these animals from entering your home, ensuring your safety and the well-being of the animals. Our team is trained to handle all aspects of wildlife exclusion, from sealing entry points to providing long-term prevention strategies. Let us help keep your home safe and wildlife-free!