Things aren’t just wild in Airdrie. On Sunday, the Town of Okotoks warned residents after a bear was spotted in Waller Park, posting signs and reminding the public to stay alert.
The advisory said the sighting happened in the area of 100 and 102 Riverside Drive West.
Residents were urged to keep pets leashed, travel in groups, carry bear spray and “never approach or feed wildlife.” The town said anyone who encounters a bear should remain calm, give it space and report sightings to Alberta’s Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
Closer to home, Airdrie has logged a string of wildlife encounters in recent weeks — from bobcats and mink to porcupines, badgers and deer.
While bear sightings in Airdrie are rare, they do happen. On Aug. 8, 2022, Airdrie RCMP reported a bear wandering a residential community and said: “Fish and Wildlife have successfully tranquillized the bear and it is safe and sound. They will be relocating the bear to a safe place.” Earlier that day, RCMP advised the public there was a police presence in the Sagewood community due to “a bear in the neighbourhood” and asked residents to stay away. The bear was indeed safely relocated
Residents have also shared photos of animals turning up in unexpected places. In May, Barbara Trudeau said a Canada goose nested on her third-floor balcony. “The fire department helped me out. They were absolutely the best help. They carried them down to their Mom for me,” she said.
Locals have continued to send in photos of their furry encounters.
Wildlife experts say the rules are the same no matter the species: leash pets, remove food sources, give animals space, and leave young alone unless they are clearly injured.
Earlier this summer, a porcupine prompted a dog park closure in Airdrie.
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