Small Animals
You may legally trap pest animals such as skunks, gophers, porcupines, squirrels, ground squirrels, magpies, and crows on your own property.
Traps for porcupines, skunks, and squirrels are available from the City to the public from the Animal Care & Control Centre located at 13550 - 163 Street. Traps are only available from April 1 to October 31, weather permitting. You are responsible for returning the trap if an animal is NOT caught. Animal Care & Control Officers will pick up any trapped animal.
- Humane wildlife traps are available for up to one week for a $75 refundable deposit. (Available April 1 to October 31, weather permitting.)
- Payment may be made by VISA, Mastercard, or debit for immediate refund upon return of the trap.
- Cash payment refunds can take up to 4 weeks.
- Cheques are not accepted.
Plans for building your own magpie and crow trap are available from Alberta Agriculture.
There are also many qualified pest control businesses in Edmonton. Look for them in the Yellow Pages under "Exterminators."
The Your Guide To Avoiding Coyote-Human Conflict brochure provides some basic tips for dealing with urban coyotes.
Large Animals
Large animals such as moose, deer, coyotes, and even the occasional bear or cougar in the city are the responsibilty of Alberta Fish and Wildlife Officers.
Call the Edmonton district office at 780-427-3574, or the coyote information hotline at 780-644-5744.
The City's Animal Care & Control Officers and the police are normally called to assist the Wildlife Officers in situations involving potentially dangerous wildlife.
Rats
Rats can cause a lot of damage quickly, so its important to report them immediately.
Since the 1950s, Alberta has had the distinction of being the only rat-free area. Most people have never seen one. Rats consume and spoil grain products, food and damage buildings and electrical wiring. They also carry many diseases that are a threat to human health.
Report suspected infestations of the Norway Rat. All sightings in Edmonton should be reported to the Animal Care & Control Centre by calling 311.
The Rat Control in Alberta brochure can provide you with some basic information on this pest.