A region unlike others, the distinct Beaver Hills landscape supports both boreal forest and parkland species creating a very high diversity of wildlife. Up to 48 mammals, 152 birds and 8 amphibians and reptiles have been reported in the Beaver Hills. 

More than 13,000 people live in the Beaver Hills Biosphere and many, many more live in the nearby urban centres of Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc and Edmonton. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors, tourists, nature lovers, recreationists and outdoor enthusiasts visit the region every year.

In this shared space, it's not hard to see that as the human population grows and visits to the region increase, wildlife encounters increase as well. Living with wildlife is a commitment that must be shared by all residents and visitors alike. The Biosphere wants to foster a culture of sharing this extraordinary space with wildlife.

Making A Difference

Living in and visiting a place as ecologically rich as the Beaver Hills comes with a responsibility to respect and protect the wildlife that calls it home. Every action we take – whether it’s how we store our waste, interact with animals or navigate natural spaces – has an impact on the delicate balance of this landscape.

By working together as residents, visitors and stewards of the Biosphere, we can ensure that people and wildlife thrive side by side for generations to come.

Whether you’re a resident, a visitor or someone who values nature, the Living With Wildlife Pledge is an opportunity to take simple, effective actions that help protect wildlife and their habitats. This pledge is more than a statement – it’s a commitment to be mindful of our impact and take small but meaningful steps to reduce negative human-wildlife interactions and make a difference in how we coexist with nature. 

The Living With Wildlife Pledge 

I WILL:

  • Respect wildlife from a safe distance: I will observe wildlife from afar to avoid causing stress or disturbance.
  • Keep attractants secure: I will store garbage, food and other attractants properly to prevent drawing wildlife closer to human activity.
  • Reduce road risks: I will be vigilant while driving through the Biosphere to minimize collisions.
  • Stay on designated paths: I will stay on marked trails and avoid disturbing sensitive habitats.
  • Manage pets responsibly: I will keep pets on a leash and supervised to protect both my pets and wildlife in the Biosphere.
  • Avoid feeding wildlife: I will refrain from feeding wildlife.
  • Educate myself and others: I will learn about wildlife behaviour and share knowledge with others to encourage peaceful coexistence.
  • Coexist in harmony with wildlife: I will follow mindful practices that ensure the peaceful coexistence of people and wildlife.

Take the Pledge

Wildlife of the Beaver Hills Biosphere

From the industrious beaver to the elusive wolf, the Biosphere is home to a fascinating array of wildlife. Each species plays a unique role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Understanding their behaviours and needs is key to sharing this space respectfully. Here are just a few to start you on your journey to understanding how to live with wildlife. 

Garter Snakes

Often overlooked or misunderstood, garter snakes are an integral part of the Biosphere. These harmless, non-venomous reptiles play a crucial role in controlling rodent and insect populations, acting as a natural form of pest control. As prey for mammals and birds, they are an important link in the food chain. During the spring and fall, garter snakes are particularly active, often crossing roads or basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature. By protecting their habitats and practicing caution during these active periods, we can support these vital members of the ecosystem. 

To live harmoniously with garter snakes:

  • Drive cautiously: Garter snakes are most active during spring and fall and can be found sunbathing on roads. Reduce your speed and watch for signs of snake activity.
  • Protect habitats: Preserve wetlands, grasslands and woodlands where snakes thrive. Avoid disturbing their hibernation shelters.
  • Use eco-friendly practices: Avoid pesticides that may harm garter snakes or their prey. 

Deer

Deer are a familiar sight in the Biosphere and a beloved symbol of the region’s natural beauty. As herbivores, they play a significant role in shaping vegetation, influencing the structure of forests and meadows and providing habitat for smaller species. However, living in close proximity to people can lead to challenges, particularly with landscaping, gardens, vehicle collisions and the attraction of predators like cougars and wolves. By taking steps to coexist with deer responsibly, we can help maintain a healthy balance between people and wildlife in the Biosphere. 

To live harmoniously with deer:

  • Avoid feeding deer: Feeding disrupts natural foraging behaviour and can attract large carnivores that prey on deer.
  • Remove attractants: Remove all food sources that may attract deer, such as ripe and fallen fruits and bird seed spilled from bird feeders.
  • Protect your landscaping: Prevent deer from feeding on your landscaping by using home remedies, commercial repellents or scaring devices, fencing out gardens or other desirable vegetation and planting deer-resistant plants.
  • Stay alert while driving: Deer are most active as dawn, dusk and night. Drive cautiously in low-light conditions and near roadside ditches.

Beavers

The Beaver Hills draws its name from the historical presence of beavers in the region. They are nature’s architects; By building dams and creating wetlands, these industrious animals shape entire ecosystems, providing essential habitats for a wide variety of species. Wetlands formed by beavers help purify water and mitigate the impacts of droughts. While beaver dams and activity can sometimes pose challenges for humans, understanding their ecological service and accommodating their unique behaviours can help foster a peaceful coexistence with these remarkable creatures. 

To live harmoniously with beavers:

  • Protect vegetation: Use hardware cloth, chicken wire or galvanized fencing to wrap the base of trees and shrubs vulnerable to beaver damage. Be sure to wrap to a height of at least one meter. 
  • Manage flooding: Install pond levelers, gravity drains or Clemson devices to control water levels and mitigate flooding concerns.
  • Prevent culvert issues: For beaver activity around culverts or field crossings, install removable metal grates to reduce damming. The grate should extend off the culvert to increase the area in which the beaver must dam. 

Black Bears

Black bears are an integral part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere, helping to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. These adaptable omnivores play a vital role in the Biosphere by dispersing seeds and regulating insect populations. While typically shy and non-aggressive, black bears can become bold when human food or garbage is readily available, leading to negative encounters. By respecting their presence and understanding their habits, we can ensure that black bears remain wild and thrive in their natural habitat. Taking simple precautions can help ensure a safe coexistence. 

To live harmoniously with black bears:

  • Secure attractants: Store garbage, recyclables and compost in bear-resistant, airtight containers. Take your garbage to collection facilities regularly. If you have curbside pickup, put your garbage out only on the morning of collection.

  • Limit food sources: Remove pet food, riper and fallen fruit, bird seed and other potential attractants during bear-active months (April to November).

  • Recreate safely: When recreating in bear country, travel in groups, keep pets leashed and carry bear spray – make sure you know how to use it.

  • Be proactive in your community: If you spot a bear, inform your neighbours and encourage bear-smart practices. 

Wolves

Wolves are re-establishing themselves in the Biosphere, playing a vital role as apex predators. By regulating prey populations such as deer and elk, wolves help prevent overgrazing. Although wolves are naturally elusive and avoid human contact, they may pose risks to livestock if preventative measures are not taken. By respecting their presence and adopting coexistence strategies, we can ensure wolves remain an integral part of the Biosphere’s ecosystem for generations to come.  

To live harmoniously with wolves:

  • Dispose of attractants: Properly dispose of livestock carcasses by burying, composting or using a rendering service.
  • Monitor livestock: Increase herd supervision when wolf activity is detected in the area. 
  • Use deterrents: Install electric or fladry fencing and consider noise or light deterrents like scare cannons and strobe lights.
  • Be proactive in your community: Share wolf sightings with your neighbours and collaborate on livestock monitoring and deterrent efforts. 

Cougars

The presence of cougars in the Biosphere signifies a thriving and balanced ecosystem. As apex predators, cougars play a critical role in regulating prey populations such as deer, ensuring the health of vegetation and other animal species. These elusive and solitary cats are rarely seen, but their increasing range may bring them closer to human activity. Cougars are naturally wary of people, yet unsecured food sources or dense vegetation around homes can attract them. Taking simple precautions reduces the risks associated with cougar encounters so we can coexist safely while appreciating their important to the natural balance of the Biosphere. 

To live harmoniously with cougars:

  • Avoid attracting prey: Refrain from feeding wildlife or leaving fallen bird seed or salt licks that attract wildlife like deer, which can attract cougars to your property.
  • Clear hiding spots: Maintain open sightlines around your home by trimming thick or tall vegetation and seal off open spaces under decks or patio with durable wire mesh.
  • Protect pets: Keep pets indoors, especially at night and use motion-activated lights to deter curious cougars.
  • Secure livestock: Secure small livestock through electric fencing and night-penning practices.
  • Be proactive in your community: If you spot a cougar, inform your neighbours and encourage them to take the same preventative measures on their properties. 

Coyotes

Coyotes are among the most intelligent and adaptable predators in the Biosphere. As key contributors to the ecosystem, they control populations of rodents, rabbits and other small animals, which in turn helps maintain plant health and diversity. Coyotes are often misunderstood due to their curiosity and boldness. These opportunistic animals often venture into human-inhabited areas in search of food, leading to potential challenges. By adopting proactive measures, we can safely coexist with coyotes, while appreciating the crucial role they play in the Biosphere. 

To live harmoniously with coyotes:

  • Remove attractants: Never feed coyotes and remove food sources such as garbage, ripe and fallen fruit, pet food and seed spilled from bird feeders.
  • Maintain clean yards: Pet feces can attract coyotes, so keep your yard clear of waste.
  • Protect pets: Always keep pets leashed when using parks and pathways, especially during coyote breeding season (January to February). Avoid leaving small pets outdoors unsupervised.
  • Deter coyotes: If you encounter a coyote, make yourself appear large, stand your ground, throw rocks, sticks or other objects, shout in a deep voice and maintain eye contact.