A prominent wildlife rehabilitation center in Alberta is witnessing a surge in the number of animals seeking assistance, with human interactions being identified as a primary cause. The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation, situated approximately 30 kilometers north of Calgary, has provided care to over 38,000 animals since its establishment in 1993, receiving more than 2,000 animals in 2025 alone.
Scottie Potter, the center’s communications coordinator, noted a continuous increase in patient intake since the onset of the pandemic. Initially, the rise was attributed to people spending more time outdoors during lockdown, leading to more encounters with wildlife. However, even after the pandemic, the influx of animals seeking help did not diminish.
Potter highlighted that wildlife now has fewer spaces to inhabit, pushing them into areas where they come into contact with humans. The center accommodated 146 different species in 2025, ranging from common wildlife to unique cases like a silver fox or a Virginia opossum.
Most animals admitted to the center suffer injuries from human-related incidents such as vehicle collisions or entanglement in human-made structures like barbed wire. According to the Alberta Wildlife Watch program, 13,051 roadkill cases were recorded in the province last year.
To mitigate harm to wildlife, Potter emphasized the importance of driving cautiously, especially on rural roads, to prevent accidents. Additionally, attacks by domestic cats contribute significantly to wildlife injuries and fatalities, with studies estimating that cats kill millions of birds annually in Canada.
While well-meaning interactions with wildlife can have positive intentions, they may inadvertently harm animals. People often mistakenly intervene with young animals like fawns and jackrabbits, assuming they require assistance when their mothers have actually left them temporarily.
Human activities continue to impact animal habitats in Alberta, particularly in grassland ecosystems, which are considered among the most endangered globally. Urban development encroachment puts wildlife at risk, necessitating conservation efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems.
The work conducted at the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation plays a crucial role in saving animals from negative human encounters. By providing care and rehabilitation to injured animals, the center aims to tip the balance in favor of wildlife survival and create a more harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.