NEWS FROM THE WILD
2023 was a busy year with several initiatives launched to tackle critical wildlife-human conflicts. The efforts continue into 2024. Here’s a brief overview.
GARBAGE BYLAW PROPOSAL
In 2023, multiple bear sightings near neighborhood trash cans were reported— again. These incidents made headlines, prompting a plea to everyone to keep garbage and food attractants out of reach of our hungry neighbors. These incidents renewed our resolve and led to a proposal for a refuse bylaw, presented to Rockyview County in October. Interestingly, we are among the last mountain communities in the region without a bylaw regulating the management and disposal of our refuse. The initial reception was positive, and we eagerly anticipate the next steps toward approval and implementation.
WILDLIFE ACCESS TO THE RIVER OVER THE BERM
The Bragg Creek berm walking pathway is finally completed except for wildlife access. Representatives from Bragg Creek Wild (BCW) walked the berm with Rockyview staff to discuss safe passage. During the walk, wildlife and people with leashed dogs were observed negotiating treacherous boulders to access the river, raising safety concerns. BCW submitted a proposal for simple, natural-looking wildlife access points at critical areas along the berm. Redwood Meadows already enjoys similar access over their berm area, providing a potential solution. A timely resolution to access issues is crucial to prevent future wildlife injuries, like broken legs.
CO-EXISTING SAFELY IN COUGAR HABITAT
Over the past months, numerous cougar sightings occurred in Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows, Kananaskis Country and communities along Highway 762. Some encounters resulted in pet attacks, including fatalities. While area cougar sightings are common and usually a non-issue, negative encounters emphasize the need to be “wild-smart” for the safety of households and neighbors. It can be difficult to deter cougars that have developed a taste for pets. Avoiding this situation in the first place is a great start to responsible coexistence with our wild neighbors.
PREVENTING WILDLIFE-VEHICLE COLLISIONS
You may have noticed new BCW road signs along Highway 22 between the Paintball property and Banded Peak school. The messages on these boards, which caution motorists of fawning and rutting seasons, complement those installed by Rocky View County along the West Bragg Creek road. Despite efforts to promote safe driving, collisions involving deer, moose, elks, horses, cows and dogs (who are sometimes seen roaming on or near roadways) remain a concern; numerous collisions have been documented here and along Highways 66, 762 and 22X. Collisions are not only traumatic for drivers but often deadly for wildlife, resulting in significant repair costs which, according to the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) are second only to hail damage claims. Continued efforts to raise awareness about safe driving are essential.
WILDLIFE MAPPING – CITIZEN RESEARCH PROJECT
Since 2021, the community has contributed wildlife sightings to our database, revealing diverse wildlife, major wildlife movement corridors and road- crossing hotspots. It’s time to compile remaining data to refine our understanding of local fauna, wildlife movement and habitat use.
AWARENESS, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY
From safe driving to our coexistence with bears and cougars, understanding the vibrant natural environment and engaging with local governments and environmental groups, there’s much to do. Visit our website, read our articles, newsletters, and follow us on social media. Stay tuned! BCW hopes to offer the Bragg Creek area our first upcoming community symposium.
JOIN-IN, BECOME A BRAGG CREEK WILD MEMBER – IT’S FREE
Interested in getting involved or supporting our projects? Sign up as a member—a simple act that contributes to creating a safe and sustainable environment for both wildlife and humans to enjoy.
For more information and to become a member, visit BRAGGCREEKWILD.CA
Bragg Creek Wild – www.braggcreekwild.ca braggcreekwild@gmail.com – 403-200-9961
People and wildlife living in community
