Animal and Pest Control

Wildlife control

For sightings and/or further information, please contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 403-529-3680.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife

Cats and dogs

Please call Bylaw Enforcement at 403-529-8481 for cat and dog control inquiries.

Insects

Insects present in or on private property is the responsibility of the homeowner. Please call a private pest control company to remove from your property.

Rodents

Rodents, skunks, and raccoons present in or on private property is the responsibility of the homeowner. Please call a private pest control company to remove from property.

Sightings of rodents such as rats in the city, which are considered a threat to human health and well being, should be reported to Bylaw Enforcement at 403-529-8481.

Snakes

Snakes, including rattlesnakes are important members of the natural community and are protected under the Alberta Wildlife Act.

Rattlesnakes are not aggressive, but will strike to defend themselves if disturbed or cornered.

Snakes are active in the evenings and overnight during the summer months. They will also seek out shady places during the heat of the day.

Snake sightings can be reported to the non-emergency line of bylaw at 403-529-8481.

Injured wildlife

Please report injured wildlife to Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 403-529-3680.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife

Protected wildlife

For information about protected or endangered wildlife, contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 403-529-3680.

Report any suspicious activity involving wildlife or incidents related to poaching to the Alberta Report-A-Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife

Deceased animals

Wild animals could be carrying parasites and disease, so please do not handle carcasses. Contact one of the following if you come across a deceased animal, based on location:

City of Medicine Hat Roadways or Sidewalks: 403-529-8177

City of Medicine Hat Trails, Park Areas, and Private Property*: 403-529-8333

*Deer only

Invasive aquatic/fish species

Aquatic invasive species include non-native aquatic animals, plants or insects which have been brought into our ponds and waterways and negatively impact biodiversity. They can threaten native species, impact water quality and reduce recreational use of water bodies.

Visit our Aquatic Invasive Species page

Invasive weeds

Buckthorn

Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is an invasive woody shrub or small tree that is classified as a prohibited noxious weed by the Alberta Invasive Species Council. It was introduced to Canada in the 1800’s as an option for shelter belt planting due to its resiliency and ease of growing. It is able to establish in disturbed soils and outcompetes native flora. 

The Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with Grasslands Naturalists, are working to control the species growing in Police Point Park, and have already removed a significant amount of the buckthorn saplings and shrubs. The group is focused on areas where the pest can be significantly controlled before it out competes native plants, before moving into areas where the pest is abundant.