By Charles Lefebvre

Raccoons becoming more visible, but city hasn’t received any concerns

Sep 20, 2018 | 4:16 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — While it has a long way to go to match Toronto as the Raccoon capital of the World, the four-legged critters are starting become more visible in Medicine Hat.

On Tuesday, The City of Medicine Hat posted a photo on its social media, showing a raccoon in a drainage pipe above Kin Coulee Park.

CHAT News was curious, and asked people on our Facebook page if they’ve seen raccoons in their yards or at home. Several people sent in photos, showing the animal in backyards in the city or the surrounding area.

Randy Taves, manager of parks, says they’ve haven’t received any complaints and concerns about raccoons in the area.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: Dec. 12-14

Dec 12, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: December 5-7

Dec 05, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in December

Nov 30, 2025

“In our area, we know that raccoons exist, and that it’s probably a newer species that’s adapting to urban life, but we have no issues at this time, or any policies or regulations and procedures,” he said.

Taves add the city monitors animals if they receive lots of complaints or concerns about safety, noting they construct with Alberta Fish and Wildlife to determine a plan of action. Coyotes, moose and cougars are the three main animals they monitor to ensure public safety.

Raccoons can cause damage to homes if they use space for dens, and have been known get into garbage cans.

He adds residents should take precautions, including keeping their yard clean and garbage secure, to ensure raccoons do not become pests.

“If people are putting food out or actually feeding them, or if they’re laying food around feeding their pets outside, or leaving their garbage cans with no lids on them, the raccoons are going to move in,” Taves said. “They’re very intelligent, they’re very adaptable, and they have excellent memories. They’ll remember where they get easy food.”