Managing Feral Rabbits  on Your Property

Feral rabbits  are not native to Alberta and can cause significant damage to gardens, landscaping and public spaces. While the City does not remove feral rabbits from private property, there are steps residents can take to help reduce their impact.

Do not feed rabbits or any wildlife

Feeding wild animals, including feral rabbits, may seem harmless but causes serious long-term problems. It contributes to overpopulation, increases property damage and can attract predators into neighbourhoods. Feeding also encourages unnatural behaviour that disrupts local ecosystems and puts native species at risk.

Under City Bylaw C-1103, it is illegal to feed wild animals or place food attractants such as fruits, vegetables, grains or pellets on public or private property. Enforcement may include fines and orders to remove or modify anything attracting wildlife. Residents are required to remove attractants within 24 hours after notice is given.

Learn more about the bylaw and your responsibilities at cityofgp.com/wildlifeguide.

If you are experiencing a problem with rabbits or hares on your property, here are some steps you can take:

Remove shelter

• Look for where the animals are nesting and block access using durable wire mesh buried at least 15 centimetres deep.
• Clear away brush piles, weed patches and other debris that may offer cover.

Remove food sources

• Avoid placing any food outdoors that may attract rabbits.
• Use fencing to protect trees, shrubs, flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. Fencing should:
  • Use mesh smaller than 3.8 centimetres.
  • Be at least one metre high.
  • Be buried at least 15 centimetres into the ground.
• Commercial repellents are available at garden centres. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and re-apply after rainfall as needed.

By following these steps and avoiding actions that attract wildlife, you help reduce property damage and support the health of your neighbourhood and local environment.

Learn more about feral rabbits and their impacts to communities:

Alberta Invasive Species Council

Alberta.ca

Why We See Coyotes in the City

• Coyote populations have increased in urban areas in recent years, with individual coyotes showing modifications of typical behaviour to take advantage of available food and shelter while generally avoiding people.
• Many urban areas in Alberta have abundant natural areas and lie immediately adjacent to productive agricultural or other natural landscapes. Additionally, many urban areas contain river valleys that act as natural travel corridors for coyotes and other wildlife species.
• Coyotes readily access human food sources, which may make up to 30% of the coyote's diet. Coyotes typically access human foods at night and in areas with suitable cover to minimize the risk of encountering people.
• Some coyotes carry high parasite loads such as infection from sarcoptic mange, and these individuals are more likely to utilize urban areas and consume human foods, risking human encounters to use less energy to forage and find shelter.

Reduce the Chances of Coyotes Returning to Your Neighbourhood

• If a coyote is returning to your neighbourhood, it is because shelter or easy meals are available there. Speak with your neighbours about prevention actions and work together to reduce attractants.
• Never feed coyotes. Feeding coyotes inevitably leads to unsafe situations that result in human injury or animal death.
• Never unintentionally feed coyotes. Pet food, garbage, and fruit falling from trees might also be available. Reduce your chances of attracting coyotes by removing these items from your yard.
• Remove low branches on trees that can provide hiding places for coyotes or attract small animals, particularly near children's play areas.
• Keep a clean backyard by removing seeds, meat, and suet for birds and fallen fruit. These attract mice and squirrels, which are prey for coyotes.
• Install motion-activated lights in your yard.
• Keep your cats indoors, and do not let your dog play outside unsupervised.
• Always be sure to clean up dog feces, as it attracts coyotes.
• Use a durable wire mesh to close off spaces under decks, patios and outbuildings. Keep all spaces that may be used as a shelter closed off and inaccessible to coyotes.
• Make sure your fence is in good repair. Holes in fences may attract curious coyotes into your backyard.
• Take your garbage out only on the morning of collection.
• Talk to your neighbours about following the same preventative measures.

What to do in a Coyote Encounter

• If you encounter a coyote, make the experience unpleasant for the animal. Make it feel unwelcome in your neighbourhood. Even if you are not concerned about problems with coyotes, they should not feel comfortable around us or our homes.
• Respond to their presence aggressively by making yourself appear larger. Wave your arms overhead, or thrust long objects like a walking stick toward the coyote.
• Throw rocks, sticks or other objects toward the animal.
• Shout in a deep voice and maintain eye contact.
• If the coyote continues to approach, back away slowly and move toward buildings or human activity if the coyote continues to approach.
• Do not turn away or run. This will encourage the coyote to chase you.

Feeding wildlife, including the swans, may appear to be an act of kindness, but it's essential to recognize the potential negative impacts it can have on the swans and our local ecosystem. Here's why refraining from feeding them is crucial:

• Natural Diet Necessity: Swans have evolved over time to consume a specific diet that ensures their proper nutrition and growth. Their natural diet includes aquatic plants, insects and small aquatic organisms. Introducing human food into their diet disrupts this delicate balance and can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
• Health Hazards: Human food, often high in salts, sugars, and fats, can be harmful to swans. 
• Habituation and Dependency: Feeding swans encourages them to become accustomed to human presence and handouts. This habituation can alter their natural behaviour and instincts, making them reliant on humans for sustenance. 
• Respect for Wildlife: Our swans are part of the natural beauty of our city. By admiring them from a distance and allowing them to follow their natural behaviours, we contribute to their overall well-being and the preservation of their unique qualities. 

 By not feeding them, we're taking a step toward maintaining the delicate balance of our local ecosystem and allowing these graceful beings to thrive naturally in their habitat.

Why We See Moose in the City

As our cities expand into previously untouched wildlife habitats, encounters with moose and other wildlife are becoming more frequent as they find it easier to enter populated areas in search of food. Understanding how to safely navigate moose encounters is essential. Here's what you need to know:

• Moose are highly adaptable creatures, capable of traversing any terrain with their impressive swimming abilities and long legs.
• Encroachment by predators such as wolves and bears may drive moose closer to urban areas in search of safety.

Threat to People

• While moose are typically non-aggressive, they may become defensive when stressed or when protecting their young.
• Signs of agitation in a moose include raised neck and back hairs, flattened ears, snorting, or lip licking.

What to Do if Charged by a Moose

• If charged by a moose, swiftly retreat and seek refuge behind a solid barrier such as a vehicle or tree. If knocked down, assume a protective position by curling into a ball and covering your head.

Preventing Confrontations

• Avoid allowing pets to approach moose and refrain from attempting to scare them off through loud noises or projectiles.
• Exercise caution around moose calves and refrain from approaching them, as mothers may perceive this as a threat.
• Contact 311 if a moose becomes trapped due to barriers like roads or buildings.
• Provide ample space for moose to retreat on their own in less densely populated areas and ensure clear escape routes are available.
• Exercise heightened vigilance during the moose rutting season, typically occurring from late September to late October, when moose activity peaks.
• Remain alert for multiple moose sightings, especially if a cow is accompanied by her calf.
• Avoid honking at moose, as it may exacerbate their agitation.
• If encountering a moose on the road, brake steadily and refrain from swerving, prioritizing control of your vehicle.