Wild animal control

Beavers

Beavers are beneficial in a wetland habitat but they can become a nuisance, causing flooding that damages roads, bridges, croplands and posing challenges to property owners.

Property owners may shoot beavers on their own property where permissible to safely discharge a firearm.

Control

Where possible, we provide assistance to agricultural producers on the removal of beavers and dams. View our Beaver Control and Beaver Dam Removal on County Right-of-Ways and Private Property policy for more information.

Prior to beaver dam removal, you must:

• initiate an Alberta One-Call service request for clearances
• adhere to minimum distance protocols as established by utility and government guidelines
• work within the requirements outlined by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

About

To learn more about beavers, visit Alberta Fish and Wildlife.

Coyotes

Coyotes are a natural scavenger and serve a beneficial role preying on mice and other small rodents. They are highly adaptable and will learn to take advantage of opportunities to prey on vulnerable livestock. View our Avoiding Conflict with Coyote resource to learn more about how to prevent and control conflicts.

If you are a livestock owner and are concerned about nuisance coyotes, you can shoot them on your own property, or give permission to permit holders of trapping licenses to trap, snare, or shoot coyotes on your property. Contact your local Fish and Wildlife office for more information about trapping licences.

Leduc County Agricultural Services also provides guidance to assist livestock producers with managing predators as well as aid in the removal of coyotes where permissible.

Prevention

Dead animals are the main diet for coyotes in the winter months. As a result, it's important that you quickly dispose of all dead livestock and afterbirth to reduce coyote predators. The Alberta Animal Health Act requires dead animals to be disposed of within 48 hours.

Magpies

Magpies are abundant in all areas of Alberta and have an extremely varied diet dependent on local opportunities for scavenging and small prey. We have live capture traps available for sale or rent to help you manage this species.

Prevention

To discourage the establishment of magpies, keep your property free of waste, food materials, carrion, animal matter, debris, open garbage, etc.

About

To learn more about magpies, visit Alberta Fish and Wildlife.

Northern Pocket Gophers

The Northern Pocket Gopher is a burrowing rodent noted for the mounds of loose soil characteristic of their presence. Learn more about controlling the pocket gopher population by reading our Pocket Gopher Brochure.

Prevention and control

As an incentive to control the northern pocket gopher population, Leduc County offers residents a $1 per tail trapping incentive, up to a maximum of $150 for pocket gophers trapped on lands within Leduc County boundaries. You can submit the tails (dried or frozen) to our Agricultural Services department located in the Community & Operations Centre building at 1105-5^th Street in Nisku.

Porcupines

Porcupines can cause significant damage by feeding on valuable landscape trees. They have been known to chew on wood, leather and even vehicle brake lines. We have live capture traps available for rental to assist with control. Property owners may shoot porcupines on their property where permissible to safely discharge a firearm.

Prevention and control

To control and prevent damage caused by porcupines, you can:

• fence off valuable trees and shrubs.
• wrap tree trunks in aluminum flashing to protect individual trees
• keep items such as saddles and harnesses safely out of harms way in a closed, securely-floored building.
• closely supervise dogs if you suspect that a porcupine is in the area

Richardson's Ground Squirrels

Richardson's Ground Squirrels are commonly referred to as gophers. These rodents are a pest to agricultural producers and cause significant crop losses. Early season control efforts are key to reducing season-long problems.

Control

Shooting, trapping, and/or baiting are the most common approaches to control. Contact us by email or give us a call at 780-955-4593 to learn about effective baiting options.

Skunks

Skunks are abundant and thrive particularly in areas inhabited by humans. They will shelter under buildings and decks, brush piles and in open sheds and feed on pet food, spillage from bird feeders, garden produce, compost, and garbage.

Control

We have live capture traps available for rent. You can also try a recipe for deskunking dogs, cats and other pets. For more information on the biology, behaviour and control of skunks, visit Alberta Fish and Wildlife