A prominent wildlife rehabilitation center in Alberta has witnessed a surge in the number of animals brought in, with human interactions being a significant contributing factor. The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation, situated approximately 30 kilometers north of Calgary, has cared for over 38,000 animals since its establishment in 1993. In the year 2025 alone, the center admitted more than 2,000 animals.
The center’s communications co-ordinator, Scottie Potter, noted a consistent increase in animal intake since the onset of the pandemic. Initially, the rise was attributed to people spending more time outdoors and encountering wildlife due to limited activities during lockdown. However, even after the pandemic restrictions eased, the influx of animals remained high.
Potter highlighted that animals are more frequently crossing paths with humans as their habitats shrink, leading them into human-populated areas. In 2025, the center accommodated 146 different species, ranging from common wildlife to unique cases like a silver fox or Virginia opossum.
The majority of animals admitted to the facility are a result of interactions with humans or human-made structures, such as vehicle collisions or entanglements in barbed wire. According to the Alberta Wildlife Watch program, 13,051 roadkill incidents were recorded in the province last year.
Potter emphasized the importance of cautious driving, particularly on rural roads, to prevent harm to wildlife. Another significant threat to wildlife stems from attacks by domestic cats, with studies estimating that cats in Canada kill millions of birds annually.
While well-meaning human interventions with wildlife occur, they can sometimes do more harm than good. Potter mentioned instances where people inadvertently interfere with young animals like fawns and jackrabbits, mistaking them for needing assistance when in fact, they are being cared for by their mothers.
Human activities are also impacting animal habitats in Alberta, with the grasslands ecosystem facing endangerment due to urban development encroachment. Conservationists warn that such developments pose a risk to wildlife populations.
The work carried out by the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation is crucial in saving animals from negative human interactions, providing them with a second chance at survival. By tipping the scales in favor of the animals, the center aims to restore a balance in human-wildlife interactions.