Wildlife Information
Calgary Wildlife treats either injured or orphaned wildlife and provides medical treatment and care until they are fit for release back in the wild; we strive to release all wildlife that we treat back into their natural habitats. Calgary Wildlife operates under a wildlife permit (issued by Alberta Environment and Parks), a Migratory Species permit (issued by Environment Canada) and a Scientific Endangered Species permit (issued by Environment Canada). These permits dictate which species we can take.
Species that are accepted at the CWRS:
• All songbirds (examples: robins, waxwings, finches, etc.)
• All corvids (examples: crows, ravens, magpies, etc.)
• All raptors (examples: hawks, falcons, owls, eagles)
• All waterfowl (examples: Canada goose, mallard ducks, etc.)
• Small mammals (examples: white-tailed prairie hares, porcupines, etc.)
• Small carnivores (examples: red fox, bobcat, weasels, etc.)
• Invasive species* (examples: eastern grey squirrels, house sparrows, starlings, etc.)
*Note
This is a service that we provide to the public that ensures these animals are treated humanely and minimizes the risk of individuals illegally caring for wildlife in their homes, an activity that is highly dangerous and detrimental to the ultimate outcome for that animal. All injured or orphaned pigeons must be brought directly to Calgary Wildlife for treatment. Please do not bring pigeons to the veterinary clinics.
Large mammals:
If you encounter a large mammal that is in trouble, please contact the Environment and Parks at (403) 297-6423 for assistance.
Calgary Wildlife does not have the capabilities to take large mammals, such as adult bears or cougars. However, we have taken in juveniles and performed essential medical treatment before transferring them. Please feel free to contact CWRS (403-214-1312) if you are unsure whether a particular animal will be accepted.
For more Information call 403-214-1312
Handling wild animals
It is illegal to care for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in Calgary unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. To ensure the safety and health of people and wildlife, members of the public should generally avoid handling wildlife. Wild animals can inflict serious injury and can be carriers of disease and parasites that are transmittable to humans and domestic animals. Injured and orphaned wildlife should be treated by professionals who have the permits, knowledge, and access to species-specific food sources that are required.
You should not attempt to assist an injured or orphaned animal if there is a risk to personal safety or to the safety of others. If you find an orphaned or injured wild animal, follow the procedure outlined below. If the animal poses a threat to public health or safety, call City of Calgary 311 Service or Calgary Police Department for assistance (911).
Found an Injured or Orphaned Wild Animal?
1. STOP. Observe to ensure help is truly required. Wildlife need help if you observe the following:
Obvious wounds: swelling or bleeding
Dangling wings or limbs
Limping
Trouble holding head erect
Problems standing
Difficulty breathing
Inability to see or react to stimuli
Emaciated
Signs of neurological trauma: seizures, walking in circles
Uneven loss of fur or feathers
2. CALL FOR HELP. Phone our hotline (403-214-1312) if you are unsure of what to do, and to receive advice on how to proceed.
3. STAY SAFE. If you determine an animal needs help, please remember your safety comes first! If it is safe to do so, throw a towel or jacket over the animal in need. Scoop the animal up and place in a secure container, such as a box or a kennel. Make sure there are airholes and that it is secured. Watch out for talons claws and teeth!
4. CLINICS ACCEPTING WILDLIFE. Bring the animal to our hospital in the NW of Calgary (11555 – 85th Street NW) or drop the animal at one of our partner veterinary clinics who will hold the animal until we can retrieve it.