Wildlife in the city: Residents reminded to keep vigilant eye on pets and children

“A wild animal, it can look at a child and think, ‘hm, I might be able to have a go at you.’ So with small children, just keep an eye on them,” she told CHAT News.

A December post on the Medicine Hat Pet Advice Facebook page showcased a bobcat strolling through the Ross Glen neighborhood, prompting a cautionary alert for residents to be mindful of their pets.

A week ago, a 10-year-old Brooks girl was attacked by a coyote near Tilley, Alta.

Coyote bites to 10 year old Hailey Nyberg – Photo Courtesy Alyshia Nyberg)

Donnelly emphasized that encounters may become more frequent with the approaching coyote and bobcat mating season.

While these animals typically shy away from humans, their territorial nature could lead to attacks if they feel threatened.

Donnelly said residents to maintain a vigilant watch over pets and small children, especially during the night and advocates for precautions such as avoiding leaving food outside and securing garbage cans on the property.

Donnelly underscored that practicing safety around wild animals is not just for human well-being but also crucial for the welfare of the animals themselves.

“You know, as populations grow and cities expand, the only place that we can expand is into the animals territory,” Donnelly said.

“We’re encroaching on its land, so it’s going to do what it needs to do to defend its territory, which is an idea that we can understand as people. If someone was to try and break into our home, we would do what we needed to do to protect it.”

Donnelly said the best thing to do is give wild animals space and respect them and they will typically avoid human contact.

by Lisa Parent

Wildlife in the city: Residents reminded to keep vigilant eye on pets and children

Our Community