Wildlife Bylaw Shape Your City Medicine Hat

By A Mystery Man Writer

In Medicine Hat, we are fortunate to share our community with a diverse range of wildlife. As we coexist with these animals, it's important that we interact with them responsibly and sustainably. With this in mind, the city is proposing a new Wildlife Bylaw to help regulate human interaction. This bylaw is not intended to harm or diminish our local wildlife, but rather to protect them and ensure their survival in a natural and healthy way.The bylaw's purpose is twofold. Firstly, it aims to safeguard the health and natural behaviors of our local wildlife. Feeding wildlife, while often done with the best intentions, can lead to poor health, unnatural dependence, and changes in animal behavior. This new bylaw will discourage such practices, helping to maintain the wildlife's natural diet and survival skills.Secondly, it's about our community's safety. Animals that grow accustomed to being fed by humans can lose their natural fear of humans, leading to potentially dangerous encounters. By dissuading human feeding, we hope to keep both our residents and wildlife safe.This bylaw is about responsibly coexisting with our wildlife, promoting their well-being, and preserving the natural balance of our city's ecosystem. Thank you for your support and understanding in this initiative.On August 21, 2023, City Council passed Bylaw 4789, the Urban Wildlife Management Bylaw. This new bylaw will provide the necessary provisions to address the concern of residents feeding deer within city limits. It aligns with comparable communities and is compliant with the legislation and regulations under the ministry of Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.