Take care around wildlife

Taking care around wildlife

By Lori Larsen

Anticipating a drop in temperatures, along with the inevitable snowfall, the wildlife that share our space in Camrose are out and about roaming the streets, in most cases, looking for a food source.

As we head into shorter hours of daylight, the risk of animals (specifically deer) meandering out onto streets can take motorists by surprise and can cause nasty collisions. Motorists are reminded to: • ensure vehicle headlights are turned on; • pay special attention to the sides of roadways, especially around parks and natural areas; • slow down and observe the speed limit; • allow wildlife to cross the road (even though they often refuse to use pedestrian crossing areas); • be prepared to stop

quickly in the event wildlife runs out in front of your vehicle, so do not tailgate, always use extreme caution and be aware of vehicles travelling behind your vehicle; • think twice before swerving to avoid wildlife.

Crossing into oncoming traffic is far more dangerous. Use your brakes instead of your steering wheel; • remember where there is one, there may be more so proceed with caution after one crosses; • where possible, use the centre lane to allow yourself time to react to bounding wildlife; • use your horn to warn wildlife; • and be mindful of peak times at dusk and dawn when wildlife is most active.

If a collision is unavoidable, remain calm and do your best to keep control of the vehicle. If your vehicle is drivable after a collision occurs, turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights and drive it off the road to a safe place out of the flow of traffic. If your vehicle is unsafe to drive, remain in your vehicle and activate your vehicle’s emergency four-way flashers. Contact the police to report the collision and do not exit your vehicle unless it is safe to do so. Never approach the injured animal.

One of Camrose’s greatest features is the abundance of beautiful trails, parks and natural spaces, which just so happen to be frequented by wildlife as well, which makes encounters a high probability. If you do see wildlife while out enjoying the great outdoors, give them their space. Once they see

you, they are more than likely going to head off in the other direction, unless they somehow feel threatened. In the case of coyotes approaching, maintain eye contact and back away or change your route. If they continue to approach, make a lot of noise and throw sticks or rocks or other objects towards it. Back away slowly, moving towards buildings or human activity. Do not turn and run.

In the case of a moose or deer, always give them plenty of space and change your route if possible. If the animal appears to be approaching, back away as quickly as possible. If it appears to charge, place something between yourself and the animal, if possible, something large such as a car or tree, then get out of the area as quickly as possible.

If you are out during the darker hours, wear reflective clothing and have a light source with you. Remember the element of surprise can be your worse enemy in wildlife encounters.

Do not feed wildlife. Once again, residents are strongly advised to not set out attractants such as bird feed, animal feed (corn or oats), garbage or pet food, and eliminate other attractants to wildlife, including fruit left on trees.

The number one instinct of wildlife is survival and they need food to do so. This time of year, when people enjoy hanging ornaments and sometimes treats for passersby to enjoy, those same items can be extremely dangerous to wildlife. Plastic wrappers,

sugary sweets and breakable ornaments can cause harmful health concerns for curious and often hungry wildlife.

“The City loves that citizens have taken to decorating around Mirror Lake,” commented City of Camrose parks manager Ken Krueger. “We remind people that decorations should be hung only, preferably shatterproof/nonbreakable holiday ornaments, and hung off the path trail, out of the way of regular maintenance during snow removal. We have already seen some damage/ vandalism.

“We also would like to remind people not to put out edible products that could be eaten by deer, such as candy canes.”

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster

This time of year, the deer are scouring the creek bottom and the City looking for food sources. Camrosians are reminded to use respect and caution around wildlife.

PURPLE CHEER

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Merry Christmas Fund co-chair Morris Henderson, right, accepts $500 for the food hamper program from Royal Purple Royal Lady Doreen Kelly on November 18, from the service club’s various fundraising efforts. The Merry Christmas Fund program provides a food hamper for those in need at Christmas time.

SHELTER CHILDREN

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Camrose Women’s Shelter executive director Nora-Lee Rear, right, accepts $500 from Royal Purple representative Linda Stevenson on Nov. 18, from the service club’s various fundraising efforts. The funds are intended for the outreach school program for children.

SANTA’S MAGIC