![Coyote pup](/news/sites/default/files/styles/ucws_image_desktop/public/2021-03/Coyote%20Pups_Alexander_hand%20reared%20pups_0.jpg?itok=ybSRxjWk)
Shelley Alexander
March 19, 2021
Spring sees the return of warmer days and more active wildlife, even in a busy city like Calgary. With the season starting on March 20, UCalgary reminds visitors to take special care within the main campus, University District and surrounding neighbourhoods, as wildlife and their offspring (for example, pups, fawns) may be present in the area.
This can include rabbits, skunks, birds of prey, as well as deer and carnivore species like coyotes and bobcats who use our campus as habitat throughout the year. UCalgary takes a co-existence approach to wildlife but, while these animals do not present significant threats to the university, safety is the top priority for both wildlife and humans.
“With less visitors on campus due to COVID-19, the conditions are ripe for wildlife to be present. As we return to work or increase recreation on campus in summer, it is important, more than ever, to be aware of your surroundings to limit interactions with wildlife,” says Dr. Shelley Alexander, MSc’97, PhD’02, a professor in the Department of Geography.
Shelley Alexander
Should you encounter larger wildlife on campus or near the University District, follow these basic steps to ensure your safety:
Other reminders for ensuring the safety of both you and wildlife include:
For more information on living with wildlife on campus, contact Shelley Alexander at smalexan@ucalgary.ca.