Be Wild Smart
Create a safe and sustainable environment for wildlife and humans to co-exist
Living in wild country is a privilege that comes with the responsibility to learn how to co-exist with wildlife.
Where there are human-wildlife conflicts, animals usually lose. Consider the following scenarios.
Wildlife-vehicle accidents usually results in the animals being severely injured or dead.
Bait and trap lifestyles such as leaving garbage out for bear to feast on often results in them being either euthanized, trapped and relocated with minimal chances of survival.
Animals considered ‘pest’ are trapped and either euthanized or relocated. Meanwhile, others will see their habitat fragmented through land use and starve.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Learning how to live with wildlife and becoming ‘Wild Smart’ means we can both enjoy living alongside wildlife safely and ensure the natural world thrives. Here are a few resources to get you started.
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Deer Smart
Remember they travel in herds. Keep eyes on the ditches as you travel. Learn more about deer and their crucial role in the wild ecosystem.
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Bear Smart
Bears are fascinating. They are strong and emblematic of our great wilderness. Find out how to protect you and the bear.
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Cougar Smart
Also known as mountain Lions, these majestic animals are for the most part shy but, still, one needs to know how to behave in the backcountry to avoid unpleasant encounters.
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Beaver Smart
Understanding their role in nature does give us pause and brings greater perspective and respect for their key role in preserving water and habitat.
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Moose Smart
What does a moose need to thrive? What should you do if you encounter one in your trek? Should you behave differently if it is a mama and her baby?
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Aware of species at risk
Loss of habitat is the single greatest factor leading to the extinction of species. We have at least two species struggling to survive: Grizzly bears and Bull Trout.
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Bird Smart
From the humble sparrows to other exotic species, birds bring joy and support the land in ways few other wildlife do. Yet, millions die every year as a result of human interactions. Find out what you can do to mitigate their dead and provide space for them to thrive.
Quick Guide
What to do during a Spruce Budworm outbreak.
Spruce Budworm
Power point presentation by the Alberta Parks and Environment
Minimizing wildlife conflicts around your home and acreage
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Dog Smart
Dogs are one of the greatest stressors on wildlife. They scare and displace wildlife and limit the habitat the animals need to thrive. Dogs chasing deer is a serious and misunderstood issue. Find out how to teach your dog to respect wildlife and to keep him and yourself safe.
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Cat Smart
Cats kill over 350 Million birds in Canada every year and are the leading cause of the declining songbird population in our country. Find out what you can do to limit the number of bird casualties while keeping your feline friend happy.
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Wildlife Friendly Fences
Promote habitat connectivity and safe passage for wildlife. It is easy to do and it will safe countless lives. Consult the Alberta Landholder’s Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fencing to learn more about this important issue and find practical solutions to your situation.
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Chicken Smart
Living close to wildlife and wild habitats brings in untold challenges. Find out what you need to know if you want to keep your chicken alive and avoid attracting wildlife.
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Bear Smart - Attractant Management
Garbage and other human activities often result in bears being trapped, displaced, or euthanized. Find out how you can minimize these tragedies.
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Bee Friendly
Much has been written about the plight of the bees and their essential role in our ecology. Here's what you need to know and to do to help bees survive and thrive.
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Bird Smart
On an acreage, the difference between feeding birds, a deer or, a bear is limited by a few strategic approaches. Find out how to extend an invitation to birds and limit unwanted visits by furry friends.
Zapped! Managing Bear Conflict in Southern Alberta
Bears often find themselves in conflict with people because of unsecured food. Making food unavailable to bears, through the use of properly installed electric fence, results in less property damage, fewer public safety related concerns and fewer bears relocated or killed; a win-win for all involved.
