We share High River with some pretty wild neighbours!

From tiny critters to larger animals, a variety of wildlife calls High River home. As they search for food and shelter, it’s not unusual to spot them wandering through our neighbourhoods and green spaces.

Badgers

Badgers are nature’s pest control—helping manage rodent, gopher, and groundhog populations while also improving soil health through digging. Their tunnels can even provide shelter for other wildlife like burrowing owls. Though they’re not often seen in urban areas, badgers are most active at night. If you spot one, keep your distance, as they can become aggressive if threatened. Always keep pets leashed and kids close when exploring.

Beavers

Beavers are busy builders and natural engineers! These hardworking animals help create wetland habitats by building dams and lodges, which support a wide range of plants and animals. While beavers can sometimes cause minor flooding or tree damage, their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems is incredibly important. Wrap your trees with metal mesh (3 to 4 feet high) to prevent damage from beavers.

If you come across a beaver or its dam, enjoy from a distance as beavers can be territorial, especially during breeding season.

Foxes

Foxes are mostly active at dusk and dawn. They are omnivores and eat a varied diet of everything from smaller mammals and birds to insects and fruits. Foxes are normally skittish and unlikely to approach humans. However, in residential areas, they may pose a threat to cats and small dogs. Keep your cats indoors and don't allow your dogs to roam.

Moose

Moose are most often seen around wooded areas or near water. They may look calm, but moose can be unpredictable and protective, especially if calves are nearby. Give them lots of space and never try to approach or feed them. If you're walking in moose country, keep dogs leashed and be alert—these gentle giants deserve our respect!

Ospreys

A nesting pair of ospreys returns every year to a nesting platform along the Highwood River! The platform is easy to spot and located north of the Beachwood area. Always give nesting birds a lot of distance as they hatch eggs and raise their chicks. While the female remains with the nest, her partner is the sole provider for the family until the chicks can fly. Love nature from a distance - set cameras to zoom for photos! Human disturbance can cause osprey parents to temporarily leave the nest and provide predators with an opening to snatch an egg or a baby chick from the nest.

Porcupines

Porcupines are primarily nocturnal and often rest in trees during daylight hours. Like all rodents, they need to sharpen their teeth continually and in doing so may chew on hard plant matter, wood, or other materials on your property.

Porcupines cannot throw their quills. Quilling happens when they hit an intruder with their tail. Dogs are common victims, so keep your dog leashed, especially if porcupines might be nearby.

If you encounter wildlife that may pose a public safety concern, such as bears or cougars, contact Alberta Fish & Wildlife: 403-932-2388.

For any other wildlife concerns, contact:

High River Protective Services
24-hour bylaw phoneline: 403-603-3643