Alberta wildlife is being pushed into city backyards as Calgary’s growth is transforming wild habitat into new surburban neighbourhoods.
The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society rescues animals that have been found or discovered in people’s backyards.
CWRS representative Nicola Murphy says many people who call to report an animal on their property get upset because they feel wild animals shouldn’t be in their communities.
“Some people get very angry and feel as though these animals are pests and should be removed and transported elsewhere, but they don’t understand that their property used to be that animal’s home,” Murphy said.
She added that with Calgary’s population now over one million, the city continues to expand. While its land mass is increasing, animals are seeking refuge within city limits, that once used to be home to many wild animals.
According to calgaryalberta.net, Calgary’s land mass covers over 5,000 square kilometres, making it the largest metropolitan city in North America. Many people moved here to work within the lucrative oil and gas industry.
Murphy said the wildlife that lives in surrounding areas attract a lot of tourist activity, and if humans aren’t preserving wildlife the resource can be lost.
“Just like oil and gas is a resource, so are the animals in Alberta,” Murphy said.
CWRS has been educating people since its doors opened in 1993 and because they obtain no direct funding from the government they rely on charities and donations from concerned individuals.
Dealing directly with wildlife, CWRS is limited in the animals they can save and rehabilitate, so other organizations in Calgary have taken the responsibility of helping domestic pets and have employed many people.
Like the CWSR, the Calgary Humane Society is always looking for compassionate individuals to volunteer their time to helping.
Niki Kitcher started volunteering at the CHS in 1998, when she was 12 years old, and continues to donate her time to saving injured, abused or abandoned animals.
“What I am personally rewarded is the gift of helping those who can’t help themselves,” Kitcher said.
“It’s fulfilling to see a case that’s been mistreated, but rehabilitated and ends up in a good home.”
Murphy said that the CWRC is busy 365 days a year but during the spring and summer months they tend to become even busier and need more volunteers during this time.
“During the winter months many of the animals are hibernating, but come spring and summer they wake up, and are hungry and on the prowl for food,” Murphy said.
Nanci Laughlin, who lives in the new development of Panorama Hills, had to call CWRS to retrieve a porcupine that made its home under her patio.
“It’s not that I thought it was a nuisance, but I have small children and I didn’t want them to be in danger and I know that the porcupine will be placed in a safer environment,” Laughlin said.
