A prominent wildlife rescue facility in Alberta has observed a surge in the number of animal patients being admitted, primarily due to increased interactions with humans. The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation, situated approximately 30 kilometers north of Calgary, has cared for over 38,000 animals since its establishment in 1993, with more than 2,000 animals received in 2025 alone.
According to Scottie Potter, the center’s communications coordinator, there has been a continuous increase in patient intake since the onset of the pandemic. Initially, the rise was attributed to people spending more time outdoors during lockdown, leading to more encounters with wildlife. However, even after lockdown restrictions eased, the influx of animals did not decrease.
Potter highlighted the prevailing issue of animals venturing into human-populated areas due to limited natural habitats, resulting in various incidents such as vehicle collisions and entanglement in human-made structures. In 2025, the facility admitted 146 different species, ranging from common wildlife to rare cases like a silver fox or Virginia opossum.
The majority of animals brought to the center have suffered injuries due to human interactions or encounters with human infrastructure, such as road accidents and entrapment. Data from the Alberta Wildlife Watch program revealed 13,051 documented roadkill cases in the province last year.
To mitigate harm to wildlife, Potter emphasized the importance of cautious driving, particularly on rural roads, to prevent accidents. Additionally, she highlighted domestic cat attacks as a significant threat to wildlife, citing studies estimating millions of bird fatalities annually in Canada due to cat predation.
Human interventions, while well-intentioned, can also pose risks to wildlife, as seen with instances of people inadvertently disturbing or “rescuing” young animals. Such actions can disrupt natural behaviors, especially in species where mothers leave their young unattended for extended periods.
The encroachment of urban development on wildlife habitats, particularly in the grasslands ecosystem of southern Alberta, poses a significant threat to local wildlife populations. Conservation efforts are crucial to safeguarding these endangered ecosystems and preserving biodiversity in the region.
The work carried out by the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation plays a vital role in rehabilitating injured animals and providing them with a second chance at survival. By addressing the impacts of human-wildlife interactions, the center strives to restore balance and support the well-being of wildlife in the region.
