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As spring unfolds in Alberta, the WILDNorth Rehabilitation Centre, located west of Edmonton near Spruce Grove, is brimming with an array of young wildlife in need of care. Executive Director Dale Gienow reports, “It is baby season here in Edmonton,” noting a surge in the intake of orphaned animals such as skunks, ducklings, hares, and fledgling birds. This seasonal influx not only showcases the beauty of Alberta’s wildlife but also underscores the critical impact of human activities on these creatures.
A Growing Crisis of Orphaned Wildlife
Every spring, WILDNorth receives an influx of up to 60 orphaned baby skunks. Gienow explains that many of these animals find themselves in care due to well-meaning individuals trapping adult skunks and relocating them, inadvertently leaving their young behind. “That’s not really a great solution to the problem,” he asserts. “There are much better ways to deal with skunks.”
The situation is further exacerbated by the centre’s alarming statistics: WILDNorth cares for over 4,000 orphaned, abandoned, or injured animals annually—a significant increase from just 1,500 admissions a decade ago. Gienow highlights that approximately 95 per cent of the animals brought to the centre suffer due to human intervention in their habitats, whether through direct harm or habitat disruption.
Accidental Kidnappings and Wildlife Rehabilitation
Among the young residents at WILDNorth is a baby porcupine, affectionately termed a porcupette. Gienow describes how these animals are often mistakenly believed to be orphaned, leading to what the staff call “accidental kidnappings.” In such cases, they often cannot locate the parent to return the young animal, necessitating care within the centre.
WILDNorth fields around 14,000 inquiries each year from citizens seeking advice on coexisting with wildlife. “The biggest thing to consider when you see baby animals is to ask before you act,” Gienow advises. Their website features a comprehensive FAQ section to guide the public in common scenarios involving wildlife.
Challenges of Urban Wildlife
Among the most vulnerable are ducklings, frequently left behind by their mothers during foraging trips. Urban settings pose significant dangers, particularly from road catch basins. Gienow urges anyone who encounters an orphaned duckling to bring it to WILDNorth, as most duck families will not accept a lone chick.
Wildlife technician Chloe Chatfield notes that many of the young animals currently in care are about six to seven weeks old. She reflects on the emotional toll of seeing these youngsters separated from their parents, stating, “It’s very sad to see little ones that could be doing better out in the wild with their parents rather than in care.” The rehabilitation process can be intensive; some young birds require feeding every hour, highlighting the dedication of the staff at WILDNorth.
Community Involvement and Awareness
Caring for these orphaned animals is a community effort. WILDNorth encourages anyone who finds an injured or abandoned animal to contact their hotline at 780-914-4118 before taking action. Given the high volume of calls—over 12,000 annually, with 7,000 occurring between May and August—those reaching out are asked to leave a voicemail if no one answers immediately.
As the baby animal season progresses, WILDNorth remains committed to educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and the impact of human actions on local ecosystems.
Why it Matters
The ongoing challenges faced by WILDNorth serve as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to coexist harmoniously with the wildlife that shares our landscape. As urban areas expand and human interactions with nature increase, the need for awareness and education regarding wildlife conservation becomes ever more critical. By fostering understanding and compassion for our animal neighbours, we can help ensure that future generations will still be able to witness the beauty and diversity of Alberta’s wildlife in the wild.
